by Nadia Sinclair

[[An image of a serene woman seated in a calm garden while enjoying a peaceful moment of self-reflection.]

It’s no secret that anxiety and stress are prevalent issues. Statistics wise, even before lockdown, a significant population in the UK and the US were managing various forms of anxiety-related disorders. In this climate of global crisis, stress levels have undoubtedly increased. This rise in anxiety comes as no surprise as recent developments continue to challenge our mental endurance. It’s perfectly normal to have moments of worry, fear, or unease. However, the good news amidst all these is that there are numerous simple strategies that can help improve your mood and overall happiness. Whilst circumstances may not always be within our control, how we respond to them certainly is. Here, we offer some effective ways to enhance your mood and achieve a greater sense of balance and contentment in your life.

Adopt a Positive Body Posture

Powerhouses in the field of life coaching propose that adopting an upright body posture can boost your mood. Comparing cheerful individuals to those battling depression reveals a marked difference in body language. The latter often exhibit slouched postures and downward gazes. By standing tall, opening up your shoulders, and quickening your speech, your mood and actions are likely to transform. Engaging in this for a couple of minutes can reduce cortisol levels significantly and increases the likelihood of you taking action.

Reflect on Your Achievements

Taking a moment to recall your past achievements can spark joy. Remembering your accomplishments and becoming proud of your journey can incite feelings of gratitude, making stress almost impossible.

Set Your Focus on Your Goals

Direct your thoughts towards what you desire, as opposed to what you fear. By keeping your attention fixed on your goals, you’re more likely to take the necessary steps to achieve them. This proactive behavior can result in increased happiness levels.

Stay Present

During challenging times, it’s vital to avoid overthinking the future. We may not have control over what lies ahead, but we surely wield power over our thoughts. It’s a proven fact that the majority of our concerns are over things that never happen. Therefore, it’s important not to weigh ourselves down with fears of future mishaps. Returning your focus to the now can be an effective strategy for regaining control.

Avoid Night-time Worrying

Problems tend to seem exaggerated during the night. If you find yourself lying awake, battling with your anxieties, it could lead to heightened fear. Practicing mindfulness before bed, or physically writing down your fears and potential solutions a few hours before bedtime can help alleviate your worries, preparing you for a better night’s sleep.

Avoid Procrastination

Do not delay tasks as this can increase stress levels. Accomplishing a task early enough brings with it a wave of relief and achievement. Reserving vital duties for the last minute can lead to a overwhelming stress and self-frustration.

Embrace Your Feelings

Denying your feelings does more harm than good. Allowing yourself to experience feelings of anxiety or panic can be surprisingly freeing.

Perfection is Not a Necessity

Don’t pressure yourself into being perfect or doing things just because everyone else seems to be doing them. Everyone navigates their paths differently, so honor your unique journey and don’t be too hard on yourself.

Associate with Positive People

Engage with constructive and optimistic people regularly, whether through social media, phone calls, or video chats. Limit your exposure to negativity; it could drag you down eventually. Try and take a break from social media to prevent the negativity from affecting you significantly.

Exercise Regularly and Maintain a Balanced Diet

The power of regular exercise, and a balanced diet as a means of boosting one’s mood is widely recognized. Studies even recommend these as treatment options for mild depression. So, keep your body active, eat nutritious meals, and treat yourself occasionally — with moderation in mind, of course.

anxiety, stress, mental health, self-improvement, wellness, balance, body posture, achievements, goal setting, mindfulness, procrastination, feelings, perfection, social interaction, exercise, balanced diet, depression, mood boosting