5 Easy Ways to Improve your Mood

2020, what a year! Stress reduction and focusing on mental health have always been important but this year has made it clear that it needs to be an ongoing priority. In the midst of quarantine, the movement for racial justice, equality, and inclusion, and a rapidly changing global economy, it can be easy to be your own critic. Am I doing enough? Am I productive enough? How can I learn more? How can I actively contribute? These are undoubtedly important questions but you don’t have to answer them all at once. Unfortunately, social media can make you feel like everyone has it together more than you. While this isn’t true, we all know the comparison spiral is real. You may find yourself searching “how to improve your mood?”

Improve Your Mood…5 simple ways!

So how can you show kindness to yourself and elevate your spirit? Here are 5 ideas to help you improve mood and renew daily:

1. Hydrate
2. Music
3. Controlled breathing
4. Appreciation mindset
5. Move Your Body

Tip 1: Hydrate

It may sound basic but your body needs hydration from the inside out. When I haven’t had water, my energy feels off in the worst way. This in turn affects my mood which then affects any calm or goodwill I have for myself. Seriously! Personally, water is my drink of choice but I do like to add tea to the mix. I try to keep my skin and hair moisturized as well. When your body and skin are flourishing, your mind can focus on other things.

Tip 2: Music Improves Mood…if you let it!

Whether you are turning up or listening softly, there is healing in music. Sometimes you need a good jam session to channel your energy. My music moods tend to range from breakup playlists (even as a single woman) to inspiration and praise, to Sade and smooth jazz to all things BRB (that’s Beyonce, Rihanna, and Britney) for my inner versatile pop diva. Yes, I’m eclectic. But when I am feeling anxious, irritated, or restless, music calms me regardless of where I am–home, work, wherever!

Tip 3: Controlled Breathing

via GIPHY

We all need a good inhale and exhale like Queen Mariah. While you can control your breathing by focusing in on your pattern and then consciously inhaling and exhaling, I find that a structured exercise helps. One of my favorites is box breathing, which has become widely used ahead of public speaking, in workplaces, at home and even by Navy SEALs. In a nutshell, you pace your breathing while using the visuals of a 4-sided box. Get the full rundown here. Whatever method you choose, noticing and then controlling your breathing is an excellent calming technique and can be done in less than 5 minutes. Give it a try the next time you need to quickly de-stress. Peace and Namaste!

Tip 4: Appreciation mindset

When you’re feeling stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed, it can be difficult to find gratitude or beauty in anything. However, expressing appreciation can be helpful whether for yourself and a small win or appreciation for someone else. During my worst days recently, what gave me hope and what I found myself to be thankful for were ways in which I felt solidarity and community. Sometimes you draw strength from others, sometimes it comes from a small win like resisting that candy bar and opting for fruit. Nothing is too minor when it comes to expressing gratitude and appreciating something about your life, even when it’s difficult and complex. Stronger together, stronger day by day.

Tip 5: Move Your Body, Improve Mood

via GIPHY

“Oooh, move ya body girl….” In case you’re wondering that lyric is from Nina Sky’s 2004 summertime hit “Move Ya Body”. It’s almost summer but honestly that song stays in my rotation year round. Why? Because it gets me moving! Now we all know the need for movement, whether it’s the debate about daily steps (is it 10,000?) or the need to get 150 minutes of exercise weekly. It’s important! I strive to workout 5 times a week and go for at least 10,000 steps daily. I don’t always hit my exercise or step goal but I do try to incorporate a minimum of 10 minutes of movement per day. What can one do in 10 minutes you ask? Stretch (especially if a rest day from workouts), yoga, even fun cardio. One of my go-tos is from one of my favorite fitness trainer and influencer, Deja Riley! Check out her fitness video below. By the time I’ve moved (and grooved), I’ve instantly lifted my mood and feel energized and more calm. A good dance move (rhythm aside) will always improve your mood and release a few endorphins!

For deeper, individualized exploration, connecting with a therapist may be a valuable experience. Overall, I hope these tips were helpful to you as you seek to improve your mood and find peace daily. I’d love to know what else would you add to the list. Please let me know in the comments and be sure to save (Pinterest) and share if you found this to be an informative read.

In wellness & joy,

Nia