There are many ways to elevate your mood and provide some needed relief from holiday heartache and being locked down during this painful pandemic. I found some good information earlier this year that I have been using to navigate the emotional landscape of loneliness, depression, general negativity. Here are some ways to boost your mood.
Foods to Boost Your Mood
First up on the list is food. Everybody likes to eat and most of us have gained weight that we all blame on Coronavirus. A good way to start turning the corner on any bad habits is to choose foods and establish eating habits to elevate your mood. Try eating foods that are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids such as nuts and fish. Chia seeds, flax seeds, pecans, and sesame seeds are good sources. They are perfect on salads!
Another good habit is to eat a lot of leafy greens. Spinach, Brussel sprouts and kale are a good start. You can add a topper such as cauliflower and my favorite, broccoli. Now, what about caffeine? Yes, in moderation, caffeine can be a good source to jump start your mood. No matter how you get your caffeine fix, just remember moderation is the key!
We have all heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. A steady habit of having a good breakfast gives you the energy needed to keep from feeling run down, tired and irritable. Try to reach for healthy grains, fruits and juices along with a good protein source for maximum effectiveness.
Finally, add foods to your diet that high in vitamin D. This helps replace some of the lost sunlight from spending so much time indoors because of the pandemic.
Exercise Can Lift Your Spirits
Turn on some upbeat music to get your heart pumping and vibe to your favorite beat. Good music can change the atmosphere in any space, large or small. Make it a family activity that when anybody in the house yells “MUSIC ALERT!” that means everyone stops what they’re doing and break out in a wild fit of dancing or singing!
Remember, if you can, take a quick stroll or for power wheelchair users, roll, around the block to get some fresh air and a change of scenery. Getting outside on your back patio or front porch for ten minutes is a quick mood elevator also.
Organize Your House or Do Yoga
There’s no time like the present to reorganize. As a result of being home for extended periods of time, it’s the perfect opportunity to declutter your living space. This could mean reorganizing your closet, garage or pantry.
In between cooking, reorganizing, and taking a stroll, you can also incorporate yoga and meditating to focus on good thoughts.
If yoga and meditating is not your thing, then there is my all-time favorite, scream therapy. I take a deep breath and let go with whatever loud strong sound that comes out of me for two whole minutes. I usually feel so much better afterwards.
Just remember to have fun and to enjoy the moment. Tickle fights with your kids, pillow fights with your significant other, Zoom calls to tell corny jokes to a few friends all help to chase away the blues.
About Merlisha Henderson: Merlisha lives in Arizona with her family. As a wife, mother and disability advocate in her community, she stays active and independent, working toward bringing equality and access to all. Click here to learn more about Merlisha.