18
Things to Help Improve Your Mood This Summer
We
all experience “the blues” sometimes. Although “SAD” or Seasonal Affective
Disorder is more common in the winter months, people can experience some bouts
of depression during the summertime.
You
may find yourself feeling out of sorts and needing to adjust your mood. Don’t
fall victim to “the blues” this summer. Improve your mood and overall
well-being. Here are a few suggestions on how to do just that.
Get More Sunlight
Who
can beat that great summer sun? Get out and enjoy the beautiful sunshine this
summer. How can sunlight improve your mood? Exposure to sunlight helps the body
release serotonin. Serotonin is a hormone in the body that can help to stable
your mood. It has even been shown to help you sleep better.
Depending
on the month, summer can get pretty hot especially if you live in the South.
However, there is a way for you to get that much needed sunshine and stay cool.
Instead of go outside during the hottest time of the day, you should opt to
wait for the evening time or head out in the early morning before the
temperatures rise.
Drink More Water
Staying
hydrated is vital during the hot, summer months. Our bodies are made up of mainly
water. Water helps to keep our joints lubricated. It provides a cushion for the
brain, spinal cord, and other body tissues. Staying hydrate will also help you
to maintain a stable body temperature, and it will help to keep your blood
pressure regulated.
So,
before heading out, grab a bottle of water. Plus, consider taking your water
with you. Large, plastic water containers can be taken along with you to work, on
nature walks, or any other place. A lot of these containers have water levels
marked on them. They can help you measure the amount of water you consume.
Go for a Walk
The
flowers have bloomed, and the birds are singing. Nature can do wonders for your
mood. It’s beauty has a calming effect that can’t be denied. Taking a walk out in
nature, going to your local gym, or simply walking around your work space can
help to relieve stress and anxiety. It
can also provide you with the opportunity to relax and reflect. Both of which
can also help to improve your general well-being. So, go for that walk.
Take
a Drive
If
you can’t go for a walk, you can always go for a leisurely drive. Plan your
drive. Don’t simply up and decide to go for a drive on the freeway in the
middle of midday traffic. This drive should be on your day off and during a
time when traffic is at a minimum.
If
at all possible, try to make this drive out in the country where you can better
enjoy the peace and serenity that nature has to offer. Be sure to put on some
of your favorite music. This will help to relax you while you are driving.
Get Enough Sleep
Your
brain needs sleep in order to allow its neurons to recharge and keep
functioning at their best. Going without sleep for 24 hours or longer can
result in behavior similar to that of being intoxicated. Body functions become impaired. Slurred
speech, lack of impulse control, poor judgment, and decreased attention are all
the results of not getting enough sleep. And, just like a person who is legally
drunk, you should not be behind the wheel. Your reflexes are slower. Your coordination is off. Your vision and
your judgment are impaired. All of which can lead to an accident.
Your
brain must have deep sleep and not just a quick nod in order for the neurons of
the cerebral cortex to recharge and keep functioning at optimal levels. The
ability to recall information and retain new memories is impaired when these
neuron are not allowed to repair themselves. Getting enough sleep will also help
to decrease stress hormones and help you to feel more energized.
Read
Reading
a book or even listening to one on tape is a great way to help you settle down
and relax. Don’t try to force yourself to read something overly complicated. Pick
a book that you will enjoy. Any simple, easy-to-read book will do.
Journal
Put your
thoughts down on paper. Journaling is a wonderful way to relax and decompress. Your
journal doesn’t have to be anything complicated. Even a simply tablet or
notebook can be turned into a place to keep your ideas, thoughts, and feelings.
A
gratitude journal is going to work the best. Instead of focusing on the negative
things going on in your life, you can focus on the things that you are grateful
for. This will help to combat negative feelings and any pinup frustrations.
Visualize
Create
a relaxing image in your mind. Visualize yourself happy and fulfilled. You might
even want to post pictures of things that make you happy around your desk or on
your refrigerator so that you can continuously be reminded to stay calm and to
be happy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HWp13iFjmcU&t=123s
Think
Positive
Kick
those negative thoughts to the curb. Refuse to think on the negative things. Think
on the positive. This can sometimes be easier said than done. However, you can
do it. But, you will have to make a conscious effort to focus on the things
that are going right instead of the things that are going wrong. The gratitude journal
can help you do this. Start each day by thinking about the things that you are
thankful for. Think about the things that make you happy or give you joy. Try
to see each obstacle or disappointment that you face as a nudge toward your destiny.
Know that no matter what happens, it is all working for your good.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvmZDYeIu38&t=105s
Vacation
Grab
your bags and go on vacation. Your vacation doesn’t have to be anything extraordinary.
Any overnight trip away from home can be turned into a vacation.
You may
even decide to take a staycation and visit some sites in your local areas. If you
can’t take an actual vacation and get away from the house, consider renting a
hotel room for the night. You’ll be amazed at how much better you will feel by
just leaving home.
Reconnect
with Old Friends
Now is
a good time to reach out to some old friends. Reconnect. Work on repairing any problems
that caused the rift. Prioritize your friendships. Make it a point to spend more
time with your friends.
Go to
the Movies
Summer and
movies go hand in hand. Take a trip to the theater or set up a projector in
your own home. Watch a movie that you’ve been dying to see. You can make this a
family outing, or you can be a “lone ranger.” And, don’t forget to grab a bag
of popcorn!
Hobbies
Make
time for your hobbies. Do the things that make you happy. Summer hobbies can
include gardening, quilting, collecting seashells, and dancing. It does not matter
if this is a new hobby or an old one, just get into the swing of things.
Take a
Course
Learn something
new. Consider taking a course over the break. And, this course doesn’t have to
be something hard or difficult. This should be relaxing, so pick something that
will bring you happiness.
Classes
can be taken in person or online. The advantage of an online course is the fact
that it can be completed from almost anywhere that has an internet connection.
Decrease
Sugar Consumption
Sugar
is not only addictive. It can contribute to weight gain. Plus, getting too much
of it can lead to heart disease, diabetes, and even put you at risk for developing
mood disorders. Instead of reaching for the sugar, try eating more fresh or dry
fruits.
https://www.webmd.com/diet/what-to-know-about-sugar-and-depression
Stop
drinking so many sodas. Studies have shown that consuming just one can soda a
day can led to a 20 pound weight gain in one year.
Sodas
also contain caffeine. Caffeine is a diuretic, and it can lead to dehydration. Instead
of the reaching for that can of soda drink, water or natural fruit juice. They
will help to keep you hydrated. Plus, they don’t have the additional sugar that
sodas have.
Eat
more fresh fruits and vegetables
Eat
healthy. Summer is the perfect time to load up on fruits and vegetables. Most
vegetables are high in fiber. Fiber helps to keep things moving through your digestive
system. It also helps your body remove those toxics, and it helps to stabilize your
weight. So, load up on those fruits and vegetables. You can even dabble in
growing your own during this warm weather season.
Set the
Mood
Get in
a relaxing state of mind. You can use candles, soft music, and aroma therapy to
help you relax. House plants and neutral tones can also be used to bring your
mind into a calm space. Be sure to remove any noise, clutter, or other
distractions.
Create a
routine for relaxing. Choose a designated place to relax and a set time for
relaxation. This will help to program your body to wind down.
Forgive
If you
are holding any grudges or other negative feelings, release them. Unforgiveness
can ruin your overall health. You may be holding on to some unresolved
resentment and bitterness. Unforgiveness can lead to migraine headaches, upset
stomach, anxiety, and indigestion. If you want to feel better, then you will
need to forgive.
Forgive
the people who have wronged you. Open your heart and mind to new beginnings.
Move forward.
Improve
the way you feel this summer and throughout the year. Make a few adjustments to
your behavior and boost your mood. These adjustments can include change your
diet from one filled with sugar and processed foods to a healthier one. Get
some sun and some exercise. This will help release those feel-good hormones.
Put down the soda and reach for the water instead. This will help to keep you hydrated
and flush the toxins from your body. Take up a hobby or resume an old one. Reconnect
with old friends. Make relationships a priority and set the mood for
relaxation.
Disclaimer: I am not a doctor. Information give is
advice from my own personal experience. For any serious medical advice
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