Thursday, July 09, 2015

Even when the days are long and sunny, life can sometimes get us down. If you’re feeling grumpy and need to snap out of it, try a couple of these DIY mood-boosting tips gathered by Yahoo! lifestyle editors from a panel of therapists and psychologists:

Dance – Crank up music you love, tune into the beat, and dance, even if it’s all by yourself in the privacy of your own space. Happy movements bring on happy feelings, according to dance therapists.

Sleep – Sleep deprivation has been proven to be a major cause of depression. If you haven’t been sleeping eight hours a night, step up the time you spend in bed.

Hug – Nothing is more comforting than a big, heartfelt hug, so give and get as many as you can. Kindness releases oxytocin, a hormone known to lower blood pressure and boost positive emotion.

Talk – Connecting with others through meaningful conversation leads to feelings of belonging – which in turn leads to a happier sense of self. Just getting together with people you like can begin to boost your mood.

Meditate – When life seems dark or overwhelming, turning inward can help. Sit still for at least five minutes, try to still your mind, then focus on your blessings and on the things that make you happiest each day.

Help – Ever noticed that doing something nice for someone else makes you feel good, too? Volunteer at a soup kitchen, a library or a church. Help an elderly neighbor with chores. Lending a hand is, at its core, a win-win situation.

Step outside – Spending a lot of time under fluorescent lighting, behind a desk and huddled over computers can lead to boredom and the blues. Ditch the gloom and spend an hour or two outdoors, walking, exercising, or just sitting in the sunlight watching the world go by.

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