Put Down the Phone
Most of us are more addicted to our phones than we give ourselves credit for. Our brains aren’t wired to deal with constant tapping, scrolling, and dialling, so it’s a good idea to restrict the amount of time you spend on your gadget. As a result, you may finally unwind and enjoy the world around you without having to constantly fight off the effects of overstimulation.
Show Your Appreciation
You may think it’s silly, but when you’re feeling overwhelmed by negative emotions like worry, anxiety, or loss, it can help to focus on the positive things in your life. The favourable effects of thankfulness on optimism and happiness were identified in a two-part study, therefore making it a habit is highly recommended.
Working Out
Working out would inevitably be a topic here, and for good cause. The positive effects of exercise extend beyond the physical to the psychological and emotional realms. Do some sort of physical activity every day, even if it’s only a walk during lunch or some light stretching when you get home from work. Exercising has been shown to improve not only mood but also self-assurance.
Get a Good Night’s Rest
Sleep serves a crucial purpose. While research shows that individuals need at least seven hours of sleep per night, many of us require more. It may be time to increase your sleep duration if you regularly experience daytime sleepiness or mental fogginess. When we don’t get enough sleep, our ability to focus and our brain’s ability to store new information as long-term memories both suffer.
Complement Others
Not the kind of praise you can offer someone to make a nice impression; we mean genuine praise. We’re talking about the kind of heartfelt praise that makes someone’s day. They will improve not just the recipient’s mood, but also your own. This is why kind deeds are viewed as fundamental to our well-being.
Smile
Find the things (and people) that will make you happy if you aren’t feeling particularly joyful right now. The ‘feel good’ hormone, dopamine, is released in our brains when we smile. We’re not advocating you go around all day with a phony grin on your face, but a little self-love in the mirror never hurt anyone.
Relax and Breathe Deeply
Most of us don’t even notice how shallow our breaths are. When we’re apprehensive or stressed out, we carry tension in more locations than usual, including the stomach, shoulders, and neck. Take some deep breaths to relax your muscles and your mind. Relax and breathe normally, in through the nose and out through the mouth. Put your eyes shut if it helps. If you want to get the benefits of deep breathing, give it around five minutes of your time.
Journal
We recognise that journaling isn’t for everyone, but it may be a highly effective method of dealing with difficult emotions. It provides a platform upon which we can safely express our innermost thoughts and feelings. It can be as simple as writing down a few random ideas about your day and tearing up the paper afterward if you don’t want to read it. Do whatever helps you the most.
Recognise and Accept the Negative Times
It’s not easy to pull through the rough spots in life. Negative experiences and thoughts can feel endless at times, rather than brief flashes of discomfort. But keep this in mind: it won’t last forever. There will be hard times, but there will also be good times. Try to be optimistic in the face of adversity and know that things will improve.
Mood-enhancing Foods
You undoubtedly already know that the food we eat can affect our bodies and health. Did you realize that they can also alter how we feel? Lean meat, fish, and dairy are all good examples of foods that are high in protein and cause the body to produce the feel-good chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine. Making dietary decisions by how you’re feeling is a terrific way to take care of yourself.
Don’t Measure Yourself Against Others
We know it’s easier said than done (especially if you spend a lot of time on Instagram) but giving up social media will cause you stress and low self-esteem. This is why it’s crucial to keep your focus on who you are, what you value, and what sets you apart from everyone else. You can achieve this by keeping a journal and minimising your use of electronic devices, both of which have been shown to boost well-being.
Address Your Tension Head-on
Stress is a common reaction to our hectic modern life, and if we allow it to build up, it can overwhelm us. However, by strengthening our resilience, we may learn to cope with stress more effectively. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, try not to give in to that sensation and instead face your concerns and worries head-on. As we learn to manage our stress more effectively, we’ll experience greater inner peace.
Return to Your Loved Ones
As social beings, humans require frequent contact with others to avoid isolating thoughts and emotions. Spending time with someone we care about may be a great way to de-stress, boost our mood, and divert our attention from any anxious or depressing thoughts we may be having. Your mind will appreciate any social interaction, even if it’s only a phone conversation, Zoom, or meeting a friend for coffee.
Get Rid of the Clutter in Your Life
Clean house, clear head, or vice versa? De-cluttering your home is a fantastic idea, and we’re not suggesting you get rid of everything you own overnight in the name of minimalist design. Start small by devoting only 20 minutes a day to cleaning, and doing things like organising a few drawers or a closet. You’ll be glad you did it in the long run.
