Are you in a good mood right now? Or is this the wrong time to float this question? Whatever your current affective state, there is a good chance it won’t stay the same for long. Teenagers might be notorious for their mood swings, but all of us of all ages experience the highs and lows of this roller coaster called the mood.
The mood is less specific and intense than its two affective cousins, emotions and feelings. As a result, it is less likely to be swayed by particular stimuli and events. At the same time, it is affected by the same lifestyle choices and environmental factors that determine our general well-being and sense of contentment.
Essentials For General Well-Being
When it comes to your general physical and mental health (and mood, by extension), you cannot go wrong with the following guidelines:
- Sleep—Aim for at least 8 hours of quality, uninterrupted sleep. A good night’s sleep ensures that your body and mind are well-rested for the day ahead.
- Diet—Eating plant-based, minimally processed foods gives your body all the nutrients, vitamins and minerals needed for optimal physical and mental health.
- Exercise—Routine physical activity helps keep your body in shape and releases endorphins, which make you feel good.
- Social interaction—Spend quality time with friends and family, as it will improve your emotional well-being more than many medications.
- Seeking professional support—If you constantly feel under the cosh and nothing seems to be helping, you can always receive expert advice.
These are all obvious ways to improve your physical and mental states. Other mood-boosting methods and techniques will only work if you adhere to these essential, time-tested measures.
Novel Ways to Boost Your Mood
If you are already taking good care of your body and mind but still feel like something is missing, there are a few novel ways to lift your spirits and get you in a good mood. These techniques, albeit unconventional, will be a boon to your mental health if practised consistently.
Bathe Your Senses in Nature with Forest Bathing
While a simple walk in the park might help boost your mood, going for a forest bath will take it to the next level. Forest bathing, known as Shinrin-yoku in Japanese, is simply a relaxation technique where one spends time in a natural environment to connect with nature.
You must use all five senses and invite nature in by listening to the birds, touching the trees, smelling the flowers, feeling the air you breathe, and observing your surroundings mindfully. All of this combined will lead you into a relaxed, blissful state.
Brighten Up Your Spirit With Colour Therapy
Have you ever noticed that wearing a shirt of your favourite colour can make you feel better instantly? If you have, you intuitively know the power of colour. Different colours have different wavelengths and frequencies. These properties, in turn, affect our minds and bodies in specific ways.
The simplest way to benefit from colour therapy (a.k.a chromotherapy) is to be mindful of your choice of colours, whether in dressing, the interior of your house or the settings you hang out in. You can go for blue for calm, green for balance and harmony, and red for a stimulating effect.
Puff Your Worries Away With Vaping
For those who enjoy a smoke to de-stress, consider the healthier alternative of vaping. If you’re looking to enjoy a quick, convenient session, options like big puff vapes UK offer a range of pre-charged, pre-filled devices. For a longer-lasting experience, you can explore sophisticated choices at your vape shop online, like the Hayati Twist 5000.
Leave Your Troubles In A Sensory Deprivation Tank
Removing all external stimuli is an effective way to calm your body and mind. Daily activities significantly affect our physical and mental well-being, accumulating stress throughout the day. A sensory deprivation tank is the perfect way to cut yourself off from all these external stimuli.
It is a pitch-dark, salty, water-filled tank that is both light-proof and sound-proof. It is also heated to match your body temperature. The time you spend floating in this tank helps reset your mental and physical health in several ways. You will feel relaxed right afterwards and experience long-term health benefits as well.
Eat Your Way to A Good Mood With Mindful Eating
Chances are that, like most people, you look at a screen when you eat. This habit takes your attention away from that precious, life-giving food and, depending on the content you are watching or scrolling, can negatively affect your mental health.
Eating consciously allows you to be fully present, in tune with your body’s needs, and focused on your food. Consider food’s taste, smell, texture, and sound when eating. Eating slowly, mindfully, and moderately will affect your eating and overall experience.
Summing Up
Being grounded in healthy lifestyle choices and geared towards minimising stress and anxiety will naturally lead to overall contentment in life. At the same time, understanding the natural fluctuations in our bodies’ rhythms is essential, as these create emotional highs and lows. A bad mood often signals something either in your internal or external state.
You can try these non-traditional ways to loosen up and achieve stability. Their effects are variable for each individual, so see what works best for you and stick with it consistently for a better quality of life.
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