From time to time we come across questions from our customers that we feel would be beneficial for all our followers. We’ve decided to share these questions with you as well as the answers we have provided for them. Hopefully, these questions and answers will prove to be helpful information for you and your optimal health.
Today’s Question:
– Gary M
Q – I live in northwest Washington, not sure if you are familiar with the area but we have a substantial amount of rain and gloomy days. I was wondering if you could recommend any natural remedies or have any tips to lift a person’s mood? I’d really like to stay away from anti-depressants but these gloomy days really take a toll. I’ve really enjoyed your articles, they’ve helped me out with so many other things so I thought I’d reach out and see if you had any mood recommendations. God Bless
A – Loooove the Pacific Northwest Gary, beautiful place but yes, it can be a dreadful place for one’s mental health.
Mood starts within your mind so tackle my mind first, then my body. Your mind controls everything and has the power to manipulate your feelings and emotions. Finding ways to control your mind is key for your mood. With that said, understand that there are a lot of things you CAN NOT control.
The biggest mood buster is stress, remove it! Easier said than done, I know, but it’s key. Even if you are unable to remove what is causing stress, you need to turn the table on your mind and force yourself to believe “it’s not that bad” or “it’s going to be ok”. Having issues at work – stress won’t fix those issues, instead, understanding the stressful situation is out of your control or if you can control the situation, hit it head on, deal with it and MOVE ON.
I always suggest trying some sort of meditation, this takes a lot of practice but once you have it mastered you will find a sense of relaxation, peace and mind control. There is a misconception about how you meditate and where you meditate. Most people picture meditation as the image posted above — sitting in a perfect setting, all is calm and quiet around you. This is not necessary, while easier, not necessary. You can meditate at your desk at work, your dining table before breakfast, your car on the way to the grocery store. Meditation is simply a time for yourself, clearing your mind. The setting has no boundaries, this can be done anywhere at anytime.
There are also breathing exercises built for mind control and relaxation…
A technique I use when in stressful situations is the “Abdominal Breathing Technique”. Begin by placing one hand on your chest and one on your stomach, this is to ensure the inflation of air is being drawn to your abdominal and not chest. Take a deep breath through your nose, inflate your diaphragm (not your chest) and stretch your lungs. Your goal is to take 6-10 deeply slow breaths per minute for about 10 min, but really, just do it as long as you need.
Breathing exercises can reduce heart rate and also blood pressure.
Sleep…not enough can cause anxiety and depression. Make sure you are getting adequate sleep at night. Check out this article if sleep is an issue for you: 17 Tips for Rejuvenating Sleep
Along with mental health and strength, body health and strength can have a positive effect on your mood as well. Eating nutritious food and physical activity will go a long way in affecting your mood.
Here are two articles to help with whole body health: 5 Foods Guaranteed to Make You Happier and Yoga, Strength Training, and Cardiovascular Exercise
I could go on for pages and pages but the articles I suggested have great content in regard to mood, mental health, and body health. Use some of the tips in these articles to feel some resurgence in your life and regaining your optimal health. Let me know if you have any other questions Gary!
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