Learn how to boost your mood and feel better about yourself in just an hour. These tips will enhance your mood.
Everyone needs a lift at some point in life. Even the most successful people find themselves staring in the mirror sometimes, wondering where it all went wrong. You can put a stop to these negative thought patterns, however, if you just make the effort to practice a few helpful psychological tricks.
If you want to feel mentally, physically, and spiritually healthier, be proactive by using these methods. It’s often the simplest deeds that reap the most extraordinary results. So, do you have an hour to spare?
Take a Cold Shower – 10 Minutes
Apart from feelings of cleanliness and invigoration, a quick blast from a cold shower can improve circulation and even relieve depression. Research at the Department of Radiation Oncology at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine indicated short cold showers may stimulate the production of a chemical in the brain that alleviates depression.
A study in 1993 by the Thrombosis Research Institute in England also found that people who took daily cold showers showed an increase in the number of virus-fighting white blood cells, therefore strengthening their immunity. (Those with a heart condition, high blood pressure, or any illness, should take a shower at a warmer, more relaxing temperature.)
Maximize Your Appearance – 15 Minutes
Making sure you look your best doesn’t take very long. Whether you’re a man or a woman, make sure you shave to leave your skin feeling smooth and refreshed. Women can add a little makeup and perfume. Men can put on some aftershave. Then get dressed in some smart clothes.
Put away your old, comfortable jeans for another time. Studies have shown that feeling better about how you look will send a message to others to mirror your positive feelings, ultimately improving your mood.
Write Down Your Negative and Positive Thoughts – 10 Minutes
Write down what you are worried about and how you are feeling. This will help to expel any negative emotions from your mind. Also, write a list of things that make you happy and have made you happy in the past; it will focus your mind on which activities you should include in your life. Make a list of all your best qualities and accomplishments. And promote positive thinking by listing all the things you are thankful for.
Tidy a Space – 5 Minutes
There is something very distracting about a messy desk, an untidy kitchen, or an untidy pile of clothes on the floor. Don’t let a disorderly environment drain your emotional energy.
Tidy your desk, clean your kitchen, and put the clothes where they belong. You don’t have to do it all at once; simply tidying a small area of your house will promote a positive psychological response.
Go For a Walk – 10 Minutes
Research has shown that physical activity increases feelings of well-being by releasing our natural endorphins in the brain and nervous system. This can lead to muscle relaxation and a reduction in stress-related symptoms. It doesn’t have to be strenuous. A 10 minute walk can easily boost your mood, especially if it’s sunny outside.
Talk to a Friend or Relative – 10 Minutes
Talking to someone about how you are feeling can quickly lift your spirits. If you are alone, call a friend or relative for a quick chat. If you have any worries, others can often see problems from a different perspective and alleviate any concerns you may have. Laughing with a friend or loved one will also make you feel better. Studies have shown that laughter lowers blood pressure, reduces stress hormones, and can help boost the immune system.
There are obviously numerous ways to boost your mood, but if you take some time to practice these techniques, you can feel better about yourself in a relatively short space of time. It’s often the little things that can make a big difference to your mood. Why not spend an hour of today to enhance your feelings of well-being?
