Many people have mood problems. Some of us have mild depression, while others suffer from bipolar disorder and other emotional problems. When mood issues approach clinical levels, it is extremely important to seek out the advice of a doctor or other qualified healthcare professional.
Unfortunately, medications don’t work well for everyone, and often come with harmful side-effects. For these reasons, it may be worth exploring some natural mood enhancers. They may work to varying degrees, either in conjunction with therapy and prescription medications, or on their own. Some of the options are changes to your habits, while others may include exploring natural remedies.
Get a Full Night’s Sleep
First and foremost, you need to get your sleep. Regular sleep habits are good for your overall health, and for your mood. Generally, eight hours of sleep is a good amount, with greater lengths for teens and children.
When you sleep, your body repairs your muscles, cleans up your memories and other brain functions, and releases hormones that affect many of your bodily functions. Not only will you be able to focus better after a full night’s rest, but you will often feel better. Your hormones will be balanced, and you’ll be healthier overall.
Go for a Jog
If you aren’t in cardiovascular shape, then start out by going for walks. Build up your tolerance, and over time you’ll be able to jog for longer periods of time. Your body will produce increased levels of hormones like FGF21 which affect metabolism, and other hormones that affect your mood, including stress and depression.
With exercise, your “feel good” hormone, dopamine will increase in your brain. You’ll also release serotonin, which helps with your sleep.
Listen to Positive Music
It’s no secret that different types of music can bring out different moods. Hard-hitting music can energize you, while slower, instrumental music can help you to relax (or even sleep). If you want to get into a better mood, then try some uplifting music.
You can experiment with different lyrics, performers, and beats. Think about how each song makes you feel, and adjust your musical consumption accordingly.
Try Kratom Powder
CBD oil is a highly popular natural supplement that many people try as a mood enhancer. There are also other options to try when CBD doesn’t work well for you. There is a small yet loyal community that surrounds the use of this plant product.
Kratom powder is derived from the dried leaves of mitragyna speciosa, a tropical tree that grows in Indonesia and other Southeast-Asian countries. One popular strain is yellow borneo. This form of kratom is named for the color it turns after pasteurization, and the island of Borneo.
Although peer-reviewed studies are limited, many users report elevated moods when they try this supplement. Keep in mind that kratom can have different effects on your body, depending on the dosage. Generally, small dosages will act as mild stimulants, while larger dosages may act as a sedative or anti-anxiety product.
Smile More
You’ve probably heard the expression, “smile before you dial,” taught to telemarketers around the world. The reason is that the physical act of smiling—even making a fake smile—can show through in your voice and your behaviors.
Believe it or not, smiling can actually enhance your mood. Usually, we smile in response to a stimulus that is funny or makes us feel happy. However, the opposite is also true. If you smile, you can trigger positive emotions that are anchored to the behavior.
Assume a Power Stance
Spend a couple of minutes “power posing” and you’ll likely feel more confident. You can begin with a power stance that includes a lifted chest, high chin, and arms up or positioned on your hips.
There is even physiological evidence that high-power posers have an 8% increase in testosterone levels, while low-power posers have as much as a 10% decrease in testosterone. High power posers also show as much as a 25% decrease in the stress hormone, cortisol, while low-power posers may have a 15% increase in their stress levels.
Sniff Some Essential Oils (orange, lavender) reduce anxiety
Your nose has a direct link to your brain. Think of your olfactory nerve as an antenna to the world. There are studies that actually show a link between a person’s sense of smell, and their brain health. With this in mind, try smelling some essential oils.
People have reported scents like orange and lavender as having anti-anxiety effects. While peer-reviewed studies are limited, it may be worth taking the sniff test to see if it works for you.
Call a Friend or Family Member
Sometimes, no matter what you do, you just can’t break through a negative mood on your own. When that happens, it means that you need support. If you’re not quite ready to seek out a professional therapist, then consider calling a friend or family member.
Remember, the goal is to elevate your mood. So, don’t focus on the negative aspects of your life for the entire call. Instead, keep things upbeat and enjoy the time you spend with a person you care about.
Start Elevating Your Mood Today
You can try one, some, or all of these tips to see how they affect your mood. Some things may work well for you, while others have little to no effect on your mood. It’s up to you to carefully monitor how you feel in response to engaging in behaviors that can affect you in a positive or negative way. Once you figure out your best natural mood enhancers, stick to them and continue to feel just a little bit better every day.