Five Things To Do Today to Brighten Your Mood
Posted: March 17, 2016
We all get into funks. It could be situational, based on things going on in your life. It could be based on the weather. It is common for people to feel more depressed or sad during the winter months, especially when it is dark and gloomy outside. As the season begins to transition into Spring, you can now start to take advantage of the sunshine and all it has to offer for your mood.
1. Go outside for a walk
Exercise of any kind is going to help improve your mood almost immediately. By going for a walk, not only are you getting the benefits of exercise, you can also become mindful during your walk and connect with nature. You can look for the beauty that the world has to offer and begin to internalize those feelings.
2. Read something interesting to you
Reading is another effective tool for you to brighten up your day. I often recommend that everyone have one go-to book they can read when they are feeling down. If your mood is low, pick up the book
and let your mind get distracted by your favorite text.
3. Meditate and focus on happiness
Find a meditation on YouTube on happiness. Doing a guided meditation on happiness can help bring feelings of contentment and joy in those ten minutes at you sit down for. Having a regular meditation practice is excellent for maintenance of a happy mood.4. Call an old friend and reconnect
Often times isolation brings about depressed feelings. One way out of isolation is to connect with an old friend. Call an old friend and ask how they are doing. Share old, funny stories with each other and just connect. Feeling connected to yourself and another person will help alleviate any negative feelings you are experiencing.
5. Take your vitamins, eat a healthy meal and drink enough water
Go back to the basics of self-care. Make sure you have eaten enough food today. Drink a whole bottle of water and get hydrated. Take your regular vitamins. And make sure you get enough sleep at night. Going back to the basics of self-care can help improve mood drastically.
Next time you are feeling down, why not try one, if not all, of these recommendations to help you get out of your funk. Time does heal all things but you can take action today to help with your feelings of depression or anxiety. You are the creator of your life and you can take these five steps to create a happy and healthier mood for today.
Amanda Patterson, LMHC, CAP decided to become a therapist while attending Nova Southeastern University. She saw the need to help people achieve the life they wanted to live, while creating a life of her own. She completed her master’s in Mental Health Counseling and started a career in the juvenile justice arena. Since then, she has started a private practice in Pembroke Pines, Florida, specializing in depression, anxiety relationship issues, and substance abuse. Amanda is a believer in holistic treatment and she practices veganism, meditation and yoga in her life. Find out more about her practice here. For a free 15-minute consultation, call or text Amanda at 954-378-5381 or email her at amanda@amandapattersonlmhc.com.