Natural Mood Enhancers
We all have bad days. Understandably, life at times makes it impossible to avoid the blues, and in today’s world, prescription mood enhancers are more readily available than ever. While these are extremely beneficial to those struggling with clinical depression, they aren’t always necessary for everyone. If you want to get back to basics and find comfort in some natural mood enhancement, check out the suggestions listed below.
Good Mood Food: Mood Enhancers from the Kitchen
Women especially find comfort in eating when they are in a low mood, and scientists agree that while this isn’t always the best solution for your waistline, eating your troubles away does have some validity to it. Serotonin, the chemical that your brain releases to stay stable and happy, is rooted in the essential amino acid known as tryptophan.
While women make the mistake of assuming it’s found in ice cream and chocolate, the reality is you can find tryptophan in a variety of foods that are not only yummy to eat, but are healthy for your body too. You will find this serotonin releaser in fish, chicken, turkey, bananas, avocados, cottage cheese and wheat germ.
If these healthy foods make you squirm, don’t worry. Since some quality girl talk can also help you to feel better, you probably don’t want to entirely shelve the junk food just yet. Save them for the next time you have a friend over, and feel free to occasionally drown your troubles in this tried and true mood enhancer: hot fudge sundae therapy.
Taking a Cue from Nature: Herbal Mood Enhancers
The organic food craze is stronger than ever, and with it comes a wave of herbal mood stabilizers and enhancers that have been proven to improve your outlook on life without filling your body with unwanted chemicals.
St. John’s Wort has long been noted for its ability to cure mild to moderate depression, and Vitamins C, E, and B12 have been made into various extracts and powders to be used as mood enhancers. The goal of many herbal mood enhancers is to increase your activity level through renewed energy sources. In fact, many people have added these vitamins to their diet, only to later discover their body was experiencing a deficiency - causing sluggishness and depression. With all its needs now being met, the outlook outcome proved better than ever!
Natural mood enhancers are rooted in ancient civilizations, where people first realized the ability they had to manipulate their emotions with a little help from Mother Nature. Today, holistic medicine is returning to this approach as more patients complain about the uncomfortable side effects often associated with prescription anti-depressants. Many of those who have suffered from depression in the past often find themselves weaned off of their medications completely once their bodies have begun to respond to herbal remedies instead.
All herbal remedies can be purchased at your local health food store, and many are becoming available in mainstream grocery stores as demand increases.
The Power of Positive Thinking
We all have that one friend or family member who seems as if life never gets her down.
What’s her secret? Perhaps she was born with an incessantly optimistic disposition, however more likely is her chosen outlook on life. To a large extent, we choose the path our emotions take, and while they can sometimes seem difficult to control, it is almost always possible.
In the 1990s, psychologists began to suggest smiling in the mirror while getting ready for work in the morning. The body was proven to release more serotonin and adjust to a happier mindset, simply by putting on a happy face. Those who smile and laugh for the first fifteen minutes of their day are more likely to snap out of a slight depression than those who trudge through their morning routine.
Feel like you have nothing to smile about? Think again. Purchase a journal from your local bookstore and begin to make lists of all you are grateful for. From family to a Saturday afternoon nap, we all have something that makes us happy in life. Taking a few moments out of your day to conjure up these more positive thoughts can get you through tough times. Keep the journal close at hand if you are entering a situation where you know you’ll need a pick me up. Re-read your lists and try your best to focus on the positive.
You can also make a playlist for your car or mp3 player of songs that tend to elevate your mood. Dance music, classical piano, or a vintage comedy sketch - whatever works for you personally; fill your mind with it whenever you feel negative thoughts creeping in.
Positive thinking is also a mood enhancer often found in companionship. Invite over a friend who is guaranteed to make you chuckle. Laughter is not only good for your mood; it is a great way to burn calories at the same time! Watch a funny movie together, or recall some good memories. Whatever you do, maintain a high giggle quotient, and you will find the stress and worry melting away.
Spirituality as a Natural Mood Enhancer
Finding a spiritual focus has helped numerous individuals alleviate a chronic bad mood. No matter what you believe, chances are there is a deeper faith to be explored, and through that process you may find the root of your sadness you never even realized was there before.
From a traditional church group to new age meditation and breathing techniques, rediscovering your personal spirituality can work well as a natural mood enhancer whenever life gets you down.
If you aren’t sure where to start on your path to spiritual enlightenment, consider investigating the faith of your friends and family members. Surrounding yourself with those who have a strong soul foundation can be inspiring and empowering, leading you down your own road of self-realization.
Helping Others: The Ultimate In Mood Enhancements
When we are struggling to make sense of hurtful circumstances, the best remedy at times is to get outside of ourselves completely. Check in with your local recreation center or surf a website such as VolunteerMatch.org, and find a way to chase away your storm clouds through serving others.
Volunteer in a soup kitchen, or take part in an after school program for high risk youth. If you love animals, pay a visit to the humane society and see if there is anything you can do to help. Whatever activity you choose, you will find your mood is improved by doing a good deed and uplifting the hearts of others.
Planning a surprise getaway for yourself and a loved one is another great opportunity to brighten someone else’s day while upping your own at the same time. Go play in the great outdoors or visit that art museum exhibit you’ve been meaning to see. Taking the steps toward turning off the TV and rediscovering your passions with a close friend or significant other will leave you feeling happier than ever before.
Lastly, check out a book at your local library. There are numerous self-help books available for those who are looking for further resources in the genre of natural mood enhancement. You can also pick up an inspirational novel or other form of comfort to indulge in during an evening at home. Feed your heart, mind and soul, and you’ll find your happy mood is rarely far behind.