Here are six tips to help lift your mood and block negativity.
Some days I feel more anxious than others. Feelings can alter the way we think, but it is our thoughts that can turn negative feelings such as depression, anxiety or anger into a positive experience! There are exercises (in this case, psychological, not physical) we can learn and use to redirect our adverse thoughts. These tips can help you gradually shift your feelings from negative to positive.
Life can throw us curve balls just to keep us grounded (pardon the pun). ALWAYS staying positive is not realistic or easy. For every negative emotion (for instance, sadness over the loss of a loved one), there’s both a positive and a negative version. Which will you choose? Here are some useful methods that can help make a difference.
1. Have fun
If you have forgotten how to have fun, don’t wait for the next gathering of your family or friends to laugh it up. Figure out what brings you joy and get to it! Research shows that having fun and laughter decreases levels of the damaging stress hormones cortisol and epinephrine. Laughter supports our immune system and protects us from illness. One minute of laughter can boost your immune system for over 24 hours. I am sure my last cold was short-lived because I made it a point, even when I felt terrible, to watch a funny movie or read an entertaining book.
2. Call a Friend
When feeling down, contact family or friends who don’t allow you to dwell on your pain, but also don’t ignore it. “If we surround ourselves with people who are joyous, hopeful, or make us laugh and live in the moment, that makes us feel much better.” – Helen Grusd, Ph.D, clinical psychologist
3. Say Thanks
You probably have a lot to be thankful for; perhaps make a list you read out loud to yourself. If you can, do this every day, it helps to hear yourself SAY the words. After a time, you may be able to memorize this list and it will become part of your consciousness to divert negative feelings.
4. Do Something – Anything
Here are some suggestions: Take a bubble bath. Start a journal. Join in an activity. Have dinner delivered from an unknown restaurant.
Create a new you, at least in part. The bath refreshes, the journal can create a different reality, saying yes to an activity will take you out of a rut. Dinner delivery is a change of pace.
5. Get Lost in Music
Listen to your happy music—this may motivate you to get up and dance!
It’s hard for negative thoughts to occupy the same space in your brain if you’re listening to happy music. A recent study found listening to upbeat music improves moods short term and boosted overall happiness over a two-week period. It can also reduce your level of pain. You’ll find yourself sitting less as you tap your toes to the rhythm of the song. Then, stand up and dance.
6. Step Outside
Discover nature by gardening, taking a walk or a hike. Sunlight lifts serotonin levels. Getting your body moving can distract from negative energy.
Like exercises for our body, these methods need regular practice to keep your mood soaring!
For more tips and fun ways to be more active, independent and improve your mood, visit our website at LoriMichielFitness.com or follow us on Facebook. You can email me or call me at 818-620-1442. We see fitness differently!