Feeling a little off during the colder months? You’re not alone! Winter can bring changes in mood and energy, but small habits like listening to music, getting fresh air, or practicing gratitude, can help brighten your day. A little serotonin boost can go a long way in making winter feel a bit lighter.
Listening to your favorite music is an easy way to boost your mood. Music is known to influence our emotional state. It can decrease feelings of depression, anxiety, and stress. More and more research is coming out about the benefits of music and brain function. This includes mental health, memory and cognitive function.
A quick stretch or a little exercise can instantly give you a lift and get those feel-good chemicals flowing. It doesn’t have to be vigorous exercise for you to reap the benefits. Going on a brisk walk for just 10 minutes is enough to help reduce tension and improve mood. If exercise isn’t yet a part of your routine, start small. Try incorporating 10 minutes of movement into your day and keep track of how you feel before and after. Stretching can also be a good way to relax the tense muscles you may have from holding the weight of the world on your shoulders.
Laughter is an instant mood-enhancer and it’s free! Nothing feels better than laughing; whether it’s watching a comedy special from your favorite comedian or listening to a funny podcast. Maybe you have a friend who just really knows how to make you smile? Do yourself a favor and give them a call!
Soaking up sunlight or using a light box can help brighten your day (literally) and increase serotonin. Living in Minnesota can be really challenging in the winter months. With the lack of sunlight and frigid temperatures, we are all severely lacking in vitamin D and prone to SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder). Light Boxes are very helpful for combatting the winter blues. There are some contraindications so please consult with your doctor prior to using a SAD light. If you are lucky enough to find yourself in a place with sunlight, get outside and soak it up.
Taking a moment to practice gratitude can shift your mindset and give your serotonin a little release. Our preferred practice involves a gratitude journal and it only takes about 5 minutes. Before bed or any other quiet time you can find, write down two things you are grateful for today. No matter how bad our day, we can always access something that we are grateful for. It may be a beloved pet or simply the pen in your hand. It is a time to shift your perspective and focus on the good in life.
Letting your creativity flow can lift your spirits. Choose an activity that inspires you and brings you joy. You can’t go wrong with painting and drawing but try exploring something new like collage or dance. Collage can be really fun when creating mood boards or journal entries. Dance is a healthy way to incorporate movement and exercise into your day while also being a vessel for expression. Try to let go of self judgement and follow what your body is telling you to do. Just listen and move. There are endless benefits to this practice.
Prioritizing sleep can stimulate serotonin leaving you feeling more balanced and energized. We all know how important sleep is to our mental well-being. It can affect hormones, mood, performance, and our overall health. Getting some good sleep isn’t always as simple as it sounds. We have to set ourselves up for success. Nutrition, exercise, screen time, and caffeine/medication all have an affect on sleep quality. Incorporate good sleep hygiene into your daily life and it will have a very positive impact.
Cuddling with a pet can instantly cheer you up, making you feel cozy and connected. Nothing is better than our pets. They are family and they can provide us with endless comfort and unconditional love. Their presence is therapeutic and calming. Cuddling our pets is known to lower blood pressure and boost immunity. Physical affection is important for humans as a way of expression and it decreases feelings of loneliness and sadness. Now we have more reasons than ever to cuddle our pets!
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