With all of the demands that come from juggling multiple tasks and responsibilities – at home, work, and everywhere in between – it’s only natural to feel stressed from time to time.
And there are many people who turn to medications such as antidepressants to lift their mood and energy levels {#nojudgement}.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), antidepressant use in the United States has increased over 400% since 1988. One in 10 people over the age of 12 now takes a prescription antidepressant.
Just think about that for a minute. My daughter is 12. The thought of her taking medication to be happier just makes me sad. At 12 there are so many things you should be doing – taking pills isn’t one of them.
And let’s not get started talking about the teens, young adults, and us overwhelmed mamas.
Unfortunately, many antidepressants can be expensive and also have serious potential side effects. So, that’s the bad news… and the good news is that there are chemical-free ways to naturally boost your energy levels and mood!
When you’re feeling down, try one of these five 5 chemical-free ways to instantly lift your mood:
1. Instantly lift your mood by establishing a regular exercise routine.
According to researchers at the renowned Mayo Clinic, regular physical activity such as a hearty walk or workout at your local gym causes your brain to release various chemicals that boost your mood, release stress, and help you relax.
* For best results, choose an activity that will raise your heart rate for at least 30 minutes each day.
* Regular exercise will also help you to control your weight and condition your muscles. You’ll not only look and feel better, but you’ll increase your endurance and energy levels as you tone your muscles.
2. Instantly lift your mood by changing your diet.
As reported by CNN and the Daily Mail, our brains need 20% of our total calorie intake each day in order to function properly.
* The brain also needs certain chemical precursors in order to create and maintain optimum levels of mood-lifting compounds such as dopamine and serotonin. Without the correct mix of calories and chemicals, we’re left feeling sluggish and depressed.
* Good food choices to boost these compounds include fish, nuts, eggs, and meats. Chocolate is also a huge serotonin booster, and dark chocolate has been proven to relax blood vessels and decrease blood pressure.
3. Instantly lift your mood by laughing.
Laughter really is the best medicine. Seek ways to take a break and incorporate humor into your daily life. A genuine laugh instantly increases the oxygen levels in your blood, making you feel instantly recharged.
* Laughter also causes your body to release endorphins, your body’s natural pain killer and mood booster.
4. Instantly lift your mood by performing a good deed or random act of kindness.
Whenever we help someone, whether it’s a large or small deed, we stop focusing on our feelings and concentrate on meeting the needs of another individual. This helps us by giving us a break from thoughts that have brought our mood down.
* Helping someone can boost your self-esteem and instantly lift your mood.
5. Instantly lift your mood by reaching out to your family or friends.
The next time that you feel your spirits lagging, confide in a close friend or relative.
* Sharing your burden can help release your tension. Your loved one can assist you in either resolving your issue or at least trying to cheer you up while you’re working on a solution.
Our busy lives make it easy to feel isolated, overwhelmed, drained, and even depressed. But it doesn’t have to stay that way. Using these simple, chemical-free strategies, you can lift your mood and increase your energy level every day.
I want to hear from you!
What strategies do you use to naturally lift your mood? Please join the discussion in the comments below.
You May Also Like:
7 Simple Steps to Having a Great Day
Comments 40
I especially love the diet one that mentions chocolates.
I like music, walking, and talking to pr petting my therapy Pug. I have no family to talk to, and have trouble making friends, so that is a tough area. I know, talk and not to keep it inside, it will make your problem worse. Coping skills! I need to keep practicing them!
Thanks for sharing these good tips.
Laughter always the best way to lift up your day
these are some really good tips. i will have to start applying them in my life. 🙂 Especially in regards to friends and family.
thank you for the tips. i don’t reach out to friends as much as I’d like. perhaps I will today 🙂
This is beneficial! Thanks for the list!
Thanks for these tips! Definitely gonna try some… 🙂
these are some great ways to combat depression. Love that they don’t involve chemicals too – plus it helps you be more healthy!
I always do the last one – at the end of the day I ring mum!
this is a great list! def need to exercise more
Good tips, thanks for sharing!
I couldn’t agree more with your tips, as someone who struggled with depression and anxiety for over 20 years they put me on every medication out there and the side effects were a lot worse than my problems. Exercise and laughter is awesome, when the endorfins are released it’s an incredible lift. I also calm down with my cat they’re very therapeutic animals, they provide unconditional love and get cozy and take your mind off of your troubles.
Thanks for the advice (:
Great tips 🙂
I didn’t know about the changing Diet, thanks for the Tips, I have also heard that smelling Oranges will lift your Mood. Don’t remember where I heard that….?
I love doing RAK around the holidays. I don’t do it a lot but it always cheers me up when I do.
things most of us know, but forget, especially under stress. thank you for the reminder.
such a great post and such great tips thanks for the post and the inspiration have a very blessed day!!!
Thank you for these!
These are some very good tips that I could really use. Thank you so much for sharing
OMG, I really need t follow these. Great advice.
love this
This piece is great! I shared it with my mom. She struggles with her mood and is diabetic so its best she uses remedies that are natural. This is perfect. Thnks.
Exercising is something I do when I get stressed. Seems to help every time
I agree it is sad how many people are on anti-depressants. I love your ideas to naturally lift your mood.
Number 3 all day, every day! LOL. Such an easy, free way to lift your mood. Great tips as usual Carin.
awesome list thanks for sharing
I really hate exercising but it is true that you do feel good afterwards. And laughter really is the best medicine.
Great tips! 🙂
Doing some yoga or cooking/baking helps my mood. So does putting on some music.
Don’t forget to pick up a great hobby! Playing the ukulele lifts one’s mood by leaps and bounds! 😀
God bless,
Miles
Great reminder especially reach out to family and friends for support having someone to listen during challenging time is a blessing. I like laughter sometime thats all you need it keep me sane.
Thanks for the reminder.
Sadly, I’m a caffeine addict right now – I justify drinking tons of the stuff everyday to get enough energy to get through work, etc. I know it’s not healthy and I’m going to try to cut down and start doing things that are naturally more beneficial to me. It’s one of my goals to get healthier.
Thank you for sharing these tips and they really do help. I love RAK!
Cliche but true! Laughter is the best medicine I swear laughing has always lift up my spirits and I suggest good music that makes you happy too!
Thanks for the tips! I also feel energetic and happier when I exercise and eat healthier 🙂
This is the perfect list and just what I needed to see on this Thursday night. I have really been needing to switch things up and this would be incredible to actually stick to it!
Great advice!