Improve Your Mood

Ever had one of those days where you feel that someone has really got in in for you?

Feeling a bit blue and don't know why?



There are lots of things you can do to improve your mood and here are just a few:

1.) SMILE - when you put a smile on your face you soon start to feel happier

2.) EXERCISE - While exercise helps keep you fit and healthy, It also improves your mood. When you exercise endorphins are released and these are feel good, "happy" hormones. The best time to exercise is early on as this can energise you and improve your mood for the whole day ahead.

3.) BREATHE DEEPLY - People who suffer from depression are often shallow breathers. Meditation and deep breathing can cause the release of certain neurotransmitters in the brain which are associated with happy, calm feelings and reduced levels of stress.

4.) LISTEN TO MUSIC - Listening to music that you like can affect the pleasure centre of the brain (the hypothalamus) and instantly put you in a good mood. I love listening to some uplifting music first thing in the morning as it sets my mood for the whole day.

5.) CHANGE YOUR DIET - Avoid fast foods as they are mainly made up of sugary, simple carbohydrates. While you may experience an initial sugar rush and improved mood this soon deteriorates as your blood sugar drops and this can result in feeling tired, lethargic, irritable and in a bad mood.

6.) BUY YOURSELF A GIFT - My favourite! A study showed that women who treat themselves now and again reported feeling less anxious, so buy yourself some flowers, perfume or some lovely face cream to give yourself a pamper and improve your mood at the same time.