If you have been feeling a bit down or maybe stuck in a rut I have some tips to share to help give your mood a boost. Best of all they are all free!
We here at A Penny Star have complied a small list starting with kindness in our spirit lifting how to boost your mood; our best free mood boosters.
- BE KIND
- GO FOR A WALK
- CALL A FRIEND OR LOVED ONE
- SMILE AT OTHERS
- VOLUNTEER
- STRETCH OR DO YOGA
- PRACTICE GRATITUDE
- EAT SOME HEALTHY MOOD BOOSTING FOODS
- DECLUTTER & DONATE
- MEDITATE
- PRAISE & COMPLIMENT OTHERS
how to boost your mood; our best free mood boosters
1. Be Kind
Studies show over & over again how even small acts of kindness can bring much joy and happiness. Not only will the person you are kind to get a mood boost you will as well. There are so many small kind things you can do that will not cost you anything but, will bring you a much needed mood boost. Plus, boost the moods of your kindness recipient!
Most kindness tips are just good old fashioned friendliness, being “neighborly” and treating others the way you would like to be treated
To get you started here are some easy kindness tips:
- Smile and say hello as you pass by
- Hold doors open for others
- Be quick with compliments to strangers & friends alike
- Pick up trash
- Be a courteous
- Share this post & ad some of your own tips in the comment space;-)
Firstly,please be kind to yourself! Practice self love & self care. You are loved & loving!
2. Go For A Walk
For a quick mood boost get out & enjoy the great outdoors. Plus Walking increases blood flow and blood circulation to both your body & your brain. In addition Walking provides a range of psychological benefits as it has been shown to lowers anxiety and stress.
Lastly, Walking enhances the production of endorphins, which help produce positive feelings & an improved mood.
Even a 10 minute walk has been shown to be effective. Be sure to wear comfy shoes & dress for the weather!
3. Call A Friend Or Loved One
According to Science Daily Studies shows just one quality conversation with a friend during the day makes you happier and less stressed by day’s end.
So, if you need a boost call those you love- you will be happier and most likely so will they!
4. Smile At Others
Smiling at others has been proven time and again to be a super mood booster! Smiling not only elevates your mood, but it can also change the moods of others for the better.
When you smile your brain releases mood-enhancing hormones while decreasing stress-enhancing hormones. It also reduces overall blood pressure. And because you typically smile when you’re happy, the muscles used when smiling trigger your brain to produce more endorphins—the chemical that relieves pain and stress.
Smiles are freely given & happily received!
5. Volunteer
Volunteering has been found to relieve stress and enhance good, calm feelings. Volunteers report experiencing a sense of significance and gratitude, both given and received, as a result of their time spent serving others This can have a stress-relieving and mood boosting effect.
We feel better when we contribute more. Volunteering boosts self-esteem. You are helping people and the community, which gives you a sense of achievement. Your volunteer work can also provide you with a feeling of pride and identity.
There are many sites to help you locate volunteer opportunities near you. Here are a few to get the ball rolling:
6. Stretch & Do Yoga
Yoga has been found to decrease anxiety and improve well-being. Also, Yoga, is a low-impact activity, which has been demonstrated to reduce stress hormones in our bodies while raising good brain chemicals such as endorphins and GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid). These feel-good hormones assist to reduce anxiety, increase happiness and give us a much appreciated mood boost.
Yoga is one of the best kindness to yourself & best free mood boosters you can practice.
If taking a class is not in the budget don’t worry-There are many free yoga classes to be found online.
Some great examples are:
Yoga is a great Free mood boosting activity. I hope you give it a try the next time you feel stressed!
7. Practice Gratitude
Studies have shown that the habit of Practicing gratitude can increase our feelings of happiness & satisfaction with our lives. To keep experiencing gratitude’s mood-boosting benefits, you should make practicing thankfulness a consistent part of your day to day life.
Here are a few Free ways to help you get started with boosting your mood using gratitude:
- Begin each day by thinking about all you appreciate and expect from the day, and as you turn out the lights at the end of each day also take a few deep breaths & think of all you’re grateful for.
- As you go thru each day find small things to be grateful for.
- Start a gratitude journal. Begin a daily habit of quickly listing what you are grateful for. Many studies show how gratitude journaling can increase one’s happiness. Use any spare notebook you may already have.
8. Eat some healthy mood boosting foods
According to The American Heart Association “It’s normal to reach for the unhealthy snacks when stressed or depressed but did you know that food and mood are connected?
It’s true. Eating healthier can help you stay happier, and actually improve stress and depression.”
The top 3 mood boosting foods they recommend are:
- 1. Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and veggies have been linked to higher levels of happiness and they’re good for your heart. It’s a win, win! - 2. Omega-3 Fatty Acids- Low Omega-3 fatty acids have been correlated to depression and impulsivity. To give your body more, try eating foods like fish, vegetable oils, nuts, flaxseed and leafy vegetables.
- 3. Chocolate- As a special treat, chocolate may have properties that improve mood and even reduce tension. The key is to choose real chocolate – dark is best – and eat it in moderation
Check out my recipe Gluten free avocado Egg & cheese stack It is an easy recipe that is very high in omega 3 fatty acids
9. Declutter and Donate
By clearing clutter from your home you will reduce your anxiety & stress. Clutter free homes create clarity an help boost mood & confidence levels.
Start small with 1 room & block out time for this new activity. There is a freeing happy feeling knowing that the things you no longer need can bring joy to someone else
10. Meditate
Meditation is a great way to fight stress, build confidence & boost your mood. The beauty of meditation is that you don’t need any equipment. You simply need a quiet space and a few minutes each day.
Get started with these 2 free meditation tools:
11. PRAISE & COMPLIMENT OTHERS
Lastly, Get in the habit of leaving positive feedback for businesses & workers you come in contact with. So many people only leave feedback when there is a problem. Try to praise those whose job it is to serve you. Also, take the time to praise and compliment those close to you.
Everyone loves compliments & praise! Be generous in praising your partner, kids & other relatives. Enjoy the warm happy feelings of those around you whose moods you’ll elevate. In turn you will be boosting your own mood & creating a happier home!
I hope you found these ideas on how to boost your mood; our best free mood boosters helpful!
