Are you suffering from the summertime blues?
You may be feeling the pressure to get outdoors, enjoy the weather, jet off on holiday, or enjoy time with children/grandchildren while they’re off school. However, for some, it’s not as easy as that. School holidays bring challenges of their own, the weather feels more autumnal than summery and you might be feeling stuck in a rut.
Here are some ways to naturally boost your mood – FOR FREE!
- Exercise: Engaging in physical activity, even if it’s just a short walk, can release endorphins such as serotonin and dopamine, helping to boost your mood.1https://www.healthline.com/health/depression/exercise
- Listen to your favourite uplifting music to shift your mood and reduce stress. 2https://www.northshore.org/healthy-you/9-health-benefits-of-music/
- Connect with loved ones: Spend time with friends, family, or pets – positive social interactions can provide emotional support. Something as small as saying hello to a neighbour can lift your mood! 3https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6125010/
- Laugh: Watch a comedy, read a funny book, or engage in activities that make you laugh. 4https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27439375/
- Get some sunlight (where you can!): Spend time outdoors in natural light – sunshine can improve your mood and increase vitamin D levels. 5https://www.mdpi.com/2673-5318/3/1/8/htm
- Engage in hobbies: Do something you enjoy, such as cooking, crafting, gardening, or any other activity that brings you pleasure.
- Limit social media and news consumption: Overexposure to negative news can impact your mood, so take breaks from social media and limit news consumption.
- Take a power nap: Rest for a short period to recharge your energy and improve your mood. Apparently, an afternoon nap can also help you live longer!
- Help others: Acts of kindness and helping others can boost your sense of purpose and self-esteem.
- Declutter and organize: Cleaning up your living space can give you a sense of accomplishment and create a more positive environment. Just making your bed in the morning can help.
Check out more mood-boosting, self-care tips from the CG Team…
“I get outside! Fresh air and a walk in nature and I’m good as new.” Claire – nutritional therapist
“A walk with friends, and a good cuppa and a biscuit!” Emily – office assistant
“A long walk on the beach listening to the sea – without the kids so I can actually listen to the waves crashing ;)” Ceris – Director of Customer Relations
“A hot bubble bath and a book – or a run or HIIT workout!” Laura – nutritional therapist
“I like to bake flapjacks and watch a funny or uplifting film.” Saskia – nutritional therapist
If you’re interested in articles about lifestyle and improving your mental well-being, have a look at these related posts on our blog, The Gut Health Express:
Can the weather REALLY affect your mood?
Hormones – your secret weapon to happiness
What’s a safe remedy for your anxiety?
This 5-minute exercise will boost your mood for free!
Any questions? Contact one of our Nutritional Therapists via live chat, weekdays from 8 am to 8 pm.
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