It’s normal for our mood and energy levels to fluctuate every now and then. However, it can affect our daily routine, including how we normally function in our everyday lives.

This is especially true now, as the COVID-19 pandemic will have long-term effects on our collective mental health.

While we can’t always control what triggers our stress and mood changes, there are certain steps you can take to controlling them without having to resort to alcohol or other vices. Below are eight ways that you can boost your mood and mindset naturally.  

Exercise

Physical activity is one of the best ways to naturally boost your mood as it releases endorphins, the hormone responsible for making you feel good. 

If you’re feeling particularly down for the day, even a quick 10-minute exercise can lift your spirit and mood. Another reason exercise is so effective is it gets your heart pumping, which raises your adrenaline into feeling good about yourself.

Nourish the body

Diet also plays a role in your mood levels. Feed yourself with proper nutrients such as leafy foods, fruits and vegetables, chamomile tea, and sunflower seeds and other nuts. If you crave some sweets, try dark chocolate.

These foods are known to be beneficial for your emotional health, which is why they not only balance your mood, but also make you feel good.

Set daily affirmations

Words are more powerful than you think and starting your day with affirmations can act as the encouragement you need for the day.

In a world where it’s easy to dwell in negativity, a daily affirmation can keep you grounded on that positive feeling throughout the day. There are several daily affirmations that you can find in books, poems, songs, speeches ― or in another form entirely.

You can even Google “daily affirmations,” yielding a seemingly endless supply of sources to explore.

Meditate

As mundane as this breathing exercise sounds, it does wonders for both your mind and heart. 

Even a five-minute meditation routine can reduce your stress levels and change your perspective for the better. Meditation allows you to go inward and find the peace and calmness you need to go against any negativity you’re dealing with.

Practice gratitude

Writing a gratitude journal can do wonders for boosting your mood as it helps you focus on contentment rather than what you lack. 

You can start or end your day by writing down three things you’re grateful for in the day. This exercise reframes your mind into focusing on the positive light of things rather than the negative.

Unplug

As beneficial as social media is to connect with others, it can also be detrimental to our mood and mental health. It’s easy to get caught up in negativity and comparison, so when you’re feeling rather pessimistic for the day, try to unplug and go offline even for just a little while. 

Even if social media seems like an adequate distraction, it can actually add to your stress rather than relieve it.

Appeal to your scents

Your sense of smell is linked strongly to both your mood and memory. Try infusing your space with uplifting and calming scents like lavender, vanilla, peppermint and jasmine to lift your spirits.

Go outside

Staying inside for long periods is unhealthy and can affect your mood for the worse. Exposing yourself to a healthy amount of Vitamin D can feel refreshing and has also been linked to reducing depression and anxiety, as well as boosting the body’s immune system.

We hope this article has shed insight into hacks you can try to effectively boost your mood. Happiness has always been linked to factors like environment, lifestyle and the choices we make.

Even seemingly simple choices can lead to the natural boost of our moods every day.