5 Self-Care Practices That Will Help Brighten Your Mood
Because we're all human and we all experience days when we're feeling down and out, it can be hard to find the motivation to do things that makes us happy and give us joy. But no matter how badly we feel, it's important for us to remember that self-care can go a long way in terms of getting us out of a rut, and that it's important for everyone (especially LGBT people, who suffer from anxiety, depression, and other mental illnesses at greater rates than their heterosexual counterparts) to do things for themselves every one in a while.
So here are 5 easy, simple self-care practices that can definitely help in improving and brightening your mood!
1. Listen to music, both old and new.
There's nothing quite like dancing (like no one is watching) to one of your favorite bops of all time. And there's no other thrill like that of finding a new song or artist you've never heard of and instantly falling in love them. Music therapy is a real thing that has a ton of benefits, so if you're ever feeling the blues, put on some music and jam out to your heart's content.
2. Make (and eat) your favorite food.
There's so much guilt and shame associated with indulging in our favorite foods, and that needs to stop. As long as you're not going overboard, there is nothing wrong with eating some ice cream or making yourself a nice, fluffy stack of buttery pancakes whenever you're feeling a little dejected. Trust, our fave foods go a long way in helping us feel better!
3. Nap!
Although society at large makes us believe that napping is a sign of "laziness," there are a lot of benefits to taking some time during the day to get some shut-eye. One of them is elevating your mood! (Yes, napping can make you feel better!) According to Psychology Today, "research suggests naps help improve emotional regulation, including increasing your ability to tolerate frustration, and reducing your tendency to be impulsive."
4. Sweat it out.
When you're feeling down, sometimes being active feels like the absolute last thing you want to do. But research shows that, besides keeping your body healthy, exercise helps fight against symptoms of anxiety and depression. According to the Mayo Clinic, physical activity releases endorphins in your brain that literally make you feel good. And you don't even have to go to a crowded, stuffy gym to do physical activties! A jog around town or a brisk walk in the park count towards helping uplifting your mood!
5. Take the day off.
The demands and pressures of work, school, and other scenarios can become really overwhelming, really quickly. Every now and then, make sure to take a day off and dedicate that day solely to yourself. Do stuff you love, like window shopping, getting a drink at that new boba place that just opened up, or exploring your hometown. Mental health days off are important, and once you've taken them, you often find yourself renewed and rejuvenated!
