We all have our ups and downs, there are days that seems hell to us and there are ones which makes us smile. Living in a big city brings stress almost everyday and usually at every bend which means it is exhausting our energy and positive mood. In order to destress, some opt to go to Spa and other stress busters out there. Fascinatingly, putting your stress away does not really need to be expensive, you will even be surprise on how simple it is to relax and avoid stress. You can actually boost your mood quickly with these 8 easy tips:
1. Clear your space, clear your mind. It's amazing how a few piles of paperwork and a pile of empty containers can make a busy day feel even more gruesome. Set a cell phone alarm or timer for five minutes and use that time to de-clutter a manageable space around you. Focus your efforts on your desk or kitchen counter rather than a whole room or cubicle. Put everything that needs your attention today into a file folder and find a place everything else in drawers, baskets or the trash. Write down any thoughts or tasks that are causing you anxiety or have upcoming deadlines so you are left with reminders rather than worries. If you need to take three breaks a day to clean your space, so be it. As long as it helps you stay calm and feel organized and in control, it is worth the time. If you make a habit of taking one of these breaks before you leave the office or turn in for the night, think how much better your mood will be when you return in the morning.
2. Put on a little mood-lifting music. Whether pop music, nature sounds or jazz makes you smile or sing or dance in your chair, even a song or two will help you escape the blues. Bring a CD in your car, bag or desk to pop in or upload a special playlist full of songs that always make you feel better. If you don't have an MP3 player or disc at your fingertips, simply go to YouTube and search for videos tagged "peaceful" or "happy." You may end up with a crazy karaoke lady performance or a kitty cat rolling around to hip-hop, but the chances are good your mood will be boosted with those funny acts.
3. Make yourself laugh (or at least grin). Studies show that laughter not only has a powerful impact on your mood, it sends your body into an instant state of relaxation. In fact, the anticipation of laughter (as we wait for a punchline, for example) sends a wave of electricity over our cerebral cortex, causing a physiological and psychological connection to even the worst jokes. There's no need to force yourself to smile or do any of that weird belly-laugh yoga to get the good effects of humor. Make it easy on yourself by keeping an email file or folder of emails, cards, messages and cartoons you get that really do make you LOL (laugh out loud). Birthday card from your best friend or a sticky note of congratulations on a successful project are also nice reminders that people love and support you and are guaranteed to warm up your attitude. (Be sure to delete or throw items from this folder once in a while so your happy file doesn't cause unhappiness-inducing clutter.)
4. Focus on your favorite color. There's plenty of research that says painting your walls certain colors will help make you feel more serene or productive or sexy in that room. I love that strategy when I move into a new place or redecorate, but that investment's not always plausible and it's certainly not quick or easy. Thank goodness it's possible to get a quick fix with just a bit of those mood-lifting colors. The colors evoke such a sense of joy and serenity that it will make you feel glad each time you ntake a glance of it. If hot pink makes you feel happy or turquoise reminds you of the most amazing, relaxing vacation of your life, get a coffee mug or flowers or nail polish in that color as a focal point when you need a boost.
5. Mix up something good to eat or drink. Being hungry or hydrated can impact your concentration, energy level and ability to cope with stressers. No, that doesn't mean a bottle of beer or a bag full of candy bars will make you feel better. While alcohol or sugar may give you temporary comfort, you will probably feel worse once that wears off. Instead, choose a healthier snack or small meal that combines protein and carbohydrates. Bread with peanut butter, butter and honey, nuts and dried fruit, skim milk are all tasty and will fuel your body longer than a treat. Drinking a big glass of water (rather than coffee...sigh) will also help boost you up.
6. Stretch yourself. Get up from behind the monitor or television or steering wheel. Go for a ten-minute walk or just do three or four stretches. There's no need to do a full workout but do focus in on which muscles ache and gently stretch and massage those areas to increase circulation. Rubbing your hands, feet, neck and temples with a lightly-scented lotion or oil does wonders if you have to remain seated. I keep a small bottle of cologne in my desk and next to my laptop for quick, rejuvenating hand massages while I sit. It's amazing how diverting my attention just slightly from work keeps my stress away. If depression is an issue for you, regular exercise may be a way to help elevate your mood. For all of us, it's no shock that pounding out stress on a treadmill or releasing everyday anxiety on the yoga mat does wonders for how good we feel physically and emotionally over time.
7. Exhale the tension, then inhale something that smells sweet. Combine the one-two of breathing deeply as an exercise or in meditation or prayer with aromatherapy for a quick mood change. Set the stage for a few peaceful moments by spritzing a room spray or lighting a candle in a calming scent. If there is a tea or flower that evokes a sense of calm to you, keep some on hand for these occasions. Once that scent has circulated a bit, take a breathing break. Close your eyes or turn away from whatever it is that has brought your mood down and center on taking full breaths in and out. Add a time for reflection or prayer, or if you need guidance, listen to a meditation podcast.
8. Start over. If nothing else helps and it looks like your day is a complete dump, why not take a shower? If you can make the time, give yourself a half-hour (or more) to linger a little longer than usual in a warm shower. Not only will the change in your routine shake off some of the stress, studies show that heating up your core temperature can also warm up your mood. Then do some simple self-care rituals like applying your favorite moisturizer and putting on comfortable clothes you feel good wearing. Even if you have to return to work or your to-do list, at least you know you can hit the re-set button on your attitude first.
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