If you ever feel stressed, down or just a bit tense, then why not try any of our five quick pick-me-up tips? Perhaps you’ll find one that helps to lift your mood and puts a smile on your face.
1. Laugh
Laughter is the best medicine, but it’s hard to spontaneously laugh when you’re feeling tense. So when you get a moment, why not call a friend who is guaranteed to make you laugh? Failing that, you could watch a comedy on DVD.
Laughing works because it increases the blood flow (and therefore oxygen) to your brain, as well as release happy hormones such as endorphins, dopamine and serotonin.
2. Cuddle your pet
Obviously this won’t work if you have a fish (I hope that made you laugh). Okay, seriously, cuddling your dog or cat will bring you into the present moment, and looking into your pet’s eyes helps to increase the feel-good hormone oxytocin. Just being with your pet can lower stress and anxiety levels, so have some loving time with your fur baby.
3. Dance
I’m sure there’s music that makes you want to boogie. So put it on and start dancing around the house. As with laughing, dancing increases blood flow to your body and brain. It also raises your happy hormones. And, you never know, your pet may start dancing with you – mine does. He thinks it’s a fun game and makes me laugh. There you go – three stress-busting moves rolled into one!
4. Listen to happy music
If you’re feeling angry or sad, but want to uplift your mood, it’s best to listen to happy music rather than music that matches your current mood, as it will just make it worse. And it’s even better if you can dance and sing along to it – moving your body and belting out your lungs are sure-fire ways to melting away the stress.
5. Brighten it up
Seeing and smelling beautiful things can put you in a good mood. Why not try placing small vases (or even glass bottles) around the house with a few of your favourite flowers from the garden? Or you can try lighting a scented candle or oil burner in the room in which you’re spending most of your time. Decluttering your space, especially if overcrowded, will also help.
What uplifts your mood in short space of time?
Read more at WebMD.
Related articles:
How to reduce stress in your life
Why exercising helps you to stress less
