A positive attitude affects more than just how you feel. It fuels your decision-making, relationships, productivity, and mental well-being. But when your mood is being negatively impacted by a lack of sleep or a looming work deadline, it's time to enlist help before these difficulties seriously compromise your mental health.
The good news is that you can naturally improve your mood in less than five minutes by using a variety of simple and convenient methods. We've gathered a variety of ways to feel better quickly, from getting outside to aromatherapy to cold water therapy, so you can find the strategy that works best for you.
Come see the sun
It's no secret that being around sunlight can make you feel happier. The brain's release of serotonin, a hormone that improves mood, may increase in response to sunlight, according to scientific research. And think about how often you've heard people refer to the "winter blues."
So, on a sunny day, go outside for a stroll around the block or in the park to improve your mood. Even a few minutes of standing or sitting in the sun on your patio will work. You will enjoy feeling the warmth of the sun on your skin like a warm sun hug.
Play uplifting music
Positive music, like sunshine, causes the brain to release serotonin and dopamine, which cause positive emotions. Upbeat music can be useful throughout the day, just like when you exercise and listen to your favorite upbeat music to stay motivated.
Your ability to sing along and/or dance while listening to upbeat music will also help your brain release endorphins. Chemicals called endorphins serve as both painkillers and mood enhancers.
Take a Bath in Cold Water
If you're feeling down, put a freeze on that feeling by soaking in an ice bath like The Plunge (also known as cold water therapy) for an energizing, mood-boosting experience. The norepinephrine your body produces is sped up by the shock of the cold from ice baths. Since depression has been associated with low levels of these hormones and neurotransmitters, taking an ice bath should help to slightly improve your mental health.
Additionally, ice bathing has the long-term benefits of boosting energy, enhancing concentration and mental toughness, and lowering stress and anxiety.
Eat a Nutritious Snack
By giving your body the nutrients it requires to function, you are expressing gratitude for all that it does for you. For instance, omega-3 fatty acids are essential for your brain to function properly in processing and managing your emotions.
When you feel hungry again, think about reaching for a snack that has mood-enhancing omega-3 fatty acids, like walnuts, soybeans, or fish like mackerel, salmon, herring, sardines, or anchovies. For these mood-enhancing fatty acids, we suggest flaxseeds and chia seeds because you can easily toss them into your morning smoothie, protein shake, salad, or smoothie bowl.
You're ready to give an ice bath for mental wellness a try.
If you're prepared to benefit from ice bathing's positive effects on mental health, start by visiting The Plunge. It is a ground-breaking ice bath tub that adapts to the temperature you set automatically and does not require ice.
CLICK HERE for more best residential cold plunges.