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10 Natural & Easy Mood Boosters

Some days we feel on top of the world. Other days, it may be hard to get out of bed. These mood differences are a normal part of being human!

Various things affect our moods, like events in our lives, hormonal changes, genes, etc. These might not be entirely under our control, but there are various things you can do to keep stress levels in check.

How about starting with these ten easy ways to boost your mood naturally?

(For severe depression and anxiety, we also highly recommend getting help from trained experts.)

1. Drink tea

Tea contains L-theanine, an antidepressant compound, and a natural stress-reducer. Green tea has high levels of this agent, which helps decrease anxiety and PMS symptoms, while increasing your concentration and memory.

Consider adding other mood-enhancing herbs to your tea as well. These include chamomile for calming anxiety, lemon balm to soothe stress, or gotu kola for promoting the flow of oxygen to the brain.

If you're a fan of caffeine, grab a cup of black tea or coffee for a mood pick-up.

2. Laugh more

Laughing relaxes the body, boosts your immunity, and stimulates endorphins - the hormones that promote good moods.

Try to do at least one thing every day that makes you laugh. Here's a few ideas to help:

Hang out with or call that funny friend, sibling or colleague
Read some jokes
Watch a comedy movie or funny YouTube video
Follow funny social media accounts that frequently post things that fit your humor

Laughter is a fool-proof, instant mood lifter.

3. Exercise

Working out enhances your mood due to your brain releasing serotonin, endorphins, dopamine, and adrenaline. These chemicals give you that post-exercise high.

So, when feeling low, get moving. Take a walk, run, get on the treadmill, swim, do some gardening, or any form of exercise that you can.

4. Promote kindness

When we're having a hard day, it's tempting to focus on ourselves and sulk. However, attending to others can lift the feelings of gloom.

Compliment someone, volunteer to help a friend or stranger with a task. Take the focus off of your life for a moment and give to others.

5. Be a little selfish

While attending to others can help your mood, don't forget to also do something for yourself.

Buy yourself some fresh cut flowers and make a bouquet for your room. Dress up. Apply makeup even if you're staying indoors. Complete a skincare routine. Watch the sunrise or sunset. Make yourself a special meal. Take yourself to dinner or the movies.

Take time to appreciate yourself and celebrate your existence.

6. Indulge in skincare and beauty regimens

Any beauty or skincare regimen, whether it's doing a nourishing facial mask, or soaking in a warm bath with essential oils, is always an instant mood booster.

Do your regimen when you have enough time so you can fully relax. Self-care rituals should be soothing, gentle, and leave you feeling uplifted. Add lavender or jasmine essential oils to your bath. These oils help promote a sense of peace, easing any nervous tension from your day.

7. Spruce up your home

Look around your house. Are there any walls with chipped or drab paint? Are you happy with the furniture layout? Maybe you need a few more house plants to liven things up?

A change in your space makes you feel mentally renewed, refreshed, and excited. Don't get too complicated. Just start with a simple change.

8. Communicate with others

Expressing yourself openly and honestly helps to increase your self-awareness and understanding of people or situations.

Write a letter to someone you love. Call a friend today and express your appreciation for them. Have close friends come over for lunch. Check on family members and create constructive dialogue with colleagues. Share your feelings with someone your trust and know will listen.

Clear communication will help to alleviate tension and let things flow smoothly.

9. Meditation

Technology has made meditation easier for beginners or if you prefer a guided format. Apps such as Headspace help in promoting mindfulness.

You only need to take 10 minutes out of your day and listen to an easy meditation led by Andy (the founder of Headspace). Headspace helps to alleviate addictions, stress, lack of focus, and worry.

Daily meditation builds your creativity, enhances relationships, and promotes positivity in your life.

10. Eat chocolate

Rejoice, all you chocolate lovers!

Pure cacao contains lots of tryptophan, an agent that enhances our mood. Also, cacao has chemicals such as phenylethylamine (PEA) and Anandamide (the bliss chemical), an endorphin released when we're in high spirits.

Adding dark chocolate to your daily routine, or as needed, can help lift your mood.