In today’s stressful world, keeping a positive attitude and good mood is more challenging than ever. With more and more people around us getting depressed, it is easy to follow the trend and wear a frown all day long. So big is the depression problem that according to recent statistics, over 15 million American adults or about 6.7 of the country’s population suffer depression each year. Sadly, these depression is not the normal ‘once in a while blues’ but causes up to 23% of women in their 40’s to take antidepressants. No doubt, being able to maintain a good mood can ensure your psychological health. Here are 15 tips to do that.
- Give of yourself. The saying that “there is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving” is very true. Doing good deeds such as volunteering make you feel better about yourself.
- Keep surroundings neat and clean. The effect of clutter is normally stress. Some say that your environment is a reflection of your emotional and psychological state. Simply keeping your working area clutter free can reduce stress.
- Get unplugged. The natural world has the ability to boost ones mood greatly so once in a while, leave all gadgets behind and have a date with nature.
- Stay away from the bottle. Being a depressant, alcohol affects your mood negatively.
- Go for a run. Exercise releases endorphins which are related to better mood
- Eat healthy. The saying “You are what you eat” is very true when it comes to your emotional health. Keep your diet full of fruits and vegetables and you will be as bright an happy as they are.
- Pray or meditate. Expressing your innermost feelings through prayer does wonders in increasing your mood.
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- Let the sun in. In recent studies, researchers found that simply letting light in made 50% depressed participants feel a lot better. So remove the blinds and let the sunlight in.
- Listen to happy music.
- Reminisce the past. Reliving old happy memories by flipping through a photo album can increase your mood.
- Get a good night’s rest. Being able to sleep at the same time each night will help you keep a healthy routine of sleep.
- Even if you don’t feel like doing it, smiling activates the happy center in your brain.
- Write happy thoughts. Noting all the things you have to be thankful for can help you keep positive.
- Get some fresh air
- Sniff some lemon. Researchers say this reduces stress.
