Naturally Happy: 10 Easy Techniques to Improve Your Mood
Naturally Happy: 10 Easy Techniques to Improve Your Mood
Written by Lily Thrope
Sometimes we find ourselves feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or just a little blue. While it’s completely natural to experience occasional dips in mood, finding simple, natural methods to lift your spirits can potentially improve your day. Whether you’re dealing with a particularly stressful week, or just want to generally feel more positive, there are many natural and effective strategies to help boost your mood without relying on quick fixes. See below for 10 simple and natural ways to brighten your day, energize your mind and leave you feeling much better.
Laugh it off.
They say that laughter is the best medicine—and there’s real science behind that saying. Laughing triggers the release of dopamine, a feel-good neurotransmitter that can rapidly improve your mood and reduce stress. If you’re in need of a good laugh, watch some funny YouTube videos or revisit your favorite sitcom.
Call a friend or a loved one.
Humans are social creatures by nature—connection is part of what keeps us happy and emotionally sound. When you’re feeling low, consider reaching out to someone you trust who provides support and empathy, and who will remind you that you’re not alone.
Engage in acts of kindness.
When we reach out to others and express kindness and empathy, we feel gratitude and universal love, and we can’t help but feel elevated in our mood. Consider performing a small act of kindness each day—it can be as simple as offering a compliment, holding the door open for someone, even helping someone in need. You will be surprised at how powerful an act this is.
Listen to music.
Studies show that listening to upbeat, joyful music stimulates the brain’s reward centers, releasing dopamine and serotonin—both are neurotransmitters that contribute to humans feeling happier and more energized. Next time you are feeling melancholy, create a playlist of your favorite “mood-boosting” songs to keep on hand.
Go for a walk in nature.
Spending time outdoors has countless benefits for your mental and physical health. Walks in nature help lower stress, reduce symptoms of anxiety, and improve focus. Even a quick walk around the block can benefit your wellbeing. Breathing fresh air, communing with trees and the natural world is very satisfying and does wonders for your mental health.
Get some sunlight.
Natural sunlight is a powerful mood booster. It stimulates the production of vitamin D, which plays a role in regulating serotonin levels—a key neurotransmitter for mood balance. If possible, spend time outdoors during the morning or early afternoon when sunlight is most beneficial.
Try aromatherapy.
Aromatherapy, defined as the use of essential oils for therapy is a simple and natural way to achieve a sense of wellbeing. Scents like lavender, citrus, eucalyptus, and peppermint are known for their mood-enhancing properties. Diffuse essential oils in your space, light a scented candle, or add a few drops to your bath to help you relax and uplift your spirits.
Practice meditation.
A few minutes of mindful breathing can help quiet anxious thoughts and bring a sense of peace. If you’re new to meditation, start with simple guided meditations or breathing. There are many variations on breathing mindfully, such as belly breathing or box breathing, used in moments of high stress. Taking deep, intentional breaths and visualizing the breath moving down your spine and toward your feet can ground you in a stressful situation. Your body and mind benefit from taking time to settle, be present, and re-energize, so you can go on with your busy day.
Get a good night’s rest.
This is an important one. Getting a good night’s rest is really a great way of improving mood and overall well-being. A bad night's sleep, either not enough sleep or bad quality sleep, can contribute to a bad mood.
Unplug.
Disconnecting from our devices can really help us improve our mood. Increased screen time has a directly negative effect on mental health for a variety of reasons. Too much screen time—especially on social media—can negatively affect mental health by increasing stress, the tendency to compare yourself to others and even feelings of isolation and loneliness. Taking regular breaks from your devices allows your mind to reset and refocus.
Boosting your mood doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. By incorporating these simple, natural strategies into your daily routine, you can improve your outlook, reduce stress, and feel more positive overall. Whether you laugh a little more, connect with loved ones, or take a walk in the sun, small changes can have a substantial impact on your well-being.
If you find yourself trying out these tips and you are having difficulty doing them, consider speaking to a mental health professional. At Thrope Therapy, we offer in-person and virtual sessions designed to meet you where you are. Schedule your free 15-minute consultation today.
