Five Ways to Boost Your Mood

It’s not always easy to feel optimistic and happy, especially when life poses challenges to our usual routine. Growing older often means more aches and pains, literally and figuratively. From arthritis pain to the pain of keeping up with technology, many seniors have valid reasons for feeling down in the dumps. It doesn’t help that the days are growing shorter and shorter as we head towards the winter season. It’s not surprising that depression rates rise during the fall and winter months, as there’s a shorter amount of time lapse between sunrise and sunset.

October is National Emotional Wellness Month, a month dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of mental well-being. It’s the perfect month to take stock of stress levels and change behaviors so you can navigate the highs and lows in life more successfully. Take some time to slow down this month and focus on your mental well-being. Here are five ways to boost your mood and ward off feelings of depression and anxiety.

Exercise
Exercising releases endorphins, those feel-good vibes that provide an instant mood boost and can last for hours afterwards. It’s also a great way to alleviate stress, no matter your age. Make sure you fit some fitness into your life on a consistent basis. Go for a walk, try a senior fitness class at the gym, check out a seated exercise DVD from the library, or put on your favorite tunes and dance around. If you don’t know where or how to start, talk with your doctor for recommendations.

Reminisce Over a Meal
Sharing a meal with someone boosts your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Combine a meal with a little reminiscing and you’ll boost your mood even more. Invite a friend or family member over for dinner or go out to your favorite restaurant. Pull out old family albums and reminisce about favorite vacations, holidays, or everyday life over dessert. Making time for relationships is essential for your emotional health. We weren’t made to live in isolation, we were made to live in community. If you don’t have many friends or family nearby, grow your community by getting to know your neighbors, find a support group, or join a senior group in your local area.

Let Go
Another way to boost your mood is to let go. Clutter, either physically, mentally, or emotionally, is an unrecognized source of stress that could be affecting your emotional well-being. Use the month of October to declutter your life. Clean out cluttered closets and cabinets and clear off cluttered spaces. Clear out a cluttered activity calendar by saying “no” to another invitation so that you have time to relax. Let go of emotional baggage you may be carrying around by talking with a trusted friend or counselor or seek to reconcile a broken relationship if it’s in your control.

Soak Up the Sun
Sunlight not only prevents diseases, but it also impacts mood and mental health. It regulates circadian rhythm, stimulates epidermal cells (which have a mood-boosting effect), releases serotonin, amongst other mind-body effects. It’s vital to soak up as much sunlight as possible, as the days grow shorter. If possible, get outdoors when the sun’s out, even if it’s for a brief period of time. Close your eyes and feel the warmth of the sun on your face. Sit near a window indoors. Open blinds and curtains to allow sunlight into your home. Enjoy the sunrise and sunset, which come later in the mornings and earlier in the evenings, as opposed to the opposite in spring and summer.

Prioritize Sleep
Finally, boost your mood by prioritizing sleep. A good night’s rest does wonders for the body and mind. Not only does sleep promote cellular regeneration, but it also improves depression and anxiety. Set yourself up for a successful night’s sleep by turning off all electronics, including the television, at least an hour before bedtime. Try a calming tea before bed, such as a chamomile. Stick to a similar bedtime each night. Avoid late afternoon naps. If you suffer from insomnia, talk with your doctor or see a sleep specialist for ways to resolve it.

Need another mood booster? Reach out to Visiting Angels Richmond and get connected with a companion caregiver. Our compassionate caregivers will provide an instant boost to your mood by helping you maintain your goal of living at safely and independently at home. We offer a variety of in-home care services that can be customized to meet your needs. From assistance with dressing and bathing, to helping with errands or other transportation needs, our caregivers will surely bring a smile to your face. Please contact us today so that we can learn more about your situation.