self-care

Think Like An Optimist: Change Your Life

Is optimism an effective mindset or merely a rosy way of looking at things?

Whether optimism is an effective mindset or a rosy way of looking at things is a question that has been debated for centuries. I couldn’t find an easy answer, as there are both benefits and drawbacks to an optimistic outlook.

So, while you may lean to one side or the other in the debate, the answer is probably somewhere in between. Optimism can be a powerful tool for improving our mental and physical health, but it's important to be realistic and avoid excessive optimism.

The best way to use optimism is to find a balance between realism and positivity. It means being positive about our chances of success, but also being prepared for the possibility of failure. Optimism can be a powerful force for good in our lives when we find this balance.

 

What exactly is optimism?

Some people seem to be naturally more optimistic than others. No matter what fate throws their way, they’re not defeated or angry. They don’t become bitter or even remain cast down for long. So, what is it about some people that prevents them from being crushed by adversity? It comes down to mindset.

Everyone has unfortunate things happen in their life. It’s part of being human. But where some people feel brought to their knees by events, others stay relatively cheerful through bad times. Even seriously bad times like being laid off or going through a divorce. These people are optimists.

Optimism means finding the best in every situation and expecting good things to happen regardless of what’s going on in the present moment. Research shows that optimism can have a positive impact on all areas of your life. From strengthening the immune system to reducing your risk of anxiety and depression, even having a longer life!

Optimists.

    • Don’t blame themselves when things go wrong.

    • Focus on the present and future, and don’t dwell on past hurts.

    • Expect good things to happen to them.

    • Believe they are responsible for their happiness.

 

Rewiring your thought patterns.

You might be thinking that optimism is innate: that you’re either an optimist or a pessimist. But optimism or pessimism stems from your self-talk, how you react to things, what you expect, and your self-image. The messages we received back in early childhood influenced this. Were you told you were selfish or lazy or no good at math? The feedback that you received about yourself and the world (whether it is a safe or dangerous place) shaped your expectations of adulthood.

These pesky negative thoughts are not you; you can change them. You can reset your pessimistic mindset and become more optimistic by reframing your negative experiences and thoughts into positive ones. If something goes wrong, instead of dwelling on the failure and making it personal, try to be objective and analyze what happened. Did someone else make a decision that impacted whether your project was successful or not? What did you learn from the experience?

Embracing positive thinking also involves being kind to yourself. Optimists don’t stay stuck in the past. If something doesn’t work out the way they thought it would, they move on, confident that success and abundance are just around the corner. Optimists are grateful for the good in their lives right now. They know that there is more than enough to go around, and they understand that the world is full of opportunities for everyone.

You have the power to change your mindset. Have you tended to look on the gloomy side or feel that life is unfair, and you feel powerless? Think about optimism as another skill you can learn. Optimism is a skill of emotional intelligence, a learned habit, and it’s a skill you can begin to develop right now.

When you learn to radiate optimism, you have the power to inspire and uplift those around you.

 

Optimism vs. positive thinking.

There’s a big difference between being optimistic and thinking positively regardless of what’s going on around you. True optimism stays grounded and doesn’t ignore the facts. It doesn’t mean that you disregard or try to deny feelings of sadness, anger, or grief.

To remain optimistic is to believe that no matter what is happening now, isn’t the end of it. You trust that the future will be better. There will be times in life when things are difficult and look bleak. But remaining optimistic means there’s a way out, something to cling to when times are tough.

Here are some strategies to help you stay optimistic, even in the worst times.

    1. Resilience, optimism, and the reality of your feelings.

An optimistic person recognizes their feelings, be it anger, frustration, disappointment, or sadness, and they don’t stop there. Acknowledging your feelings allows you to feel them, process them, and move forward. Optimism and resilience go hand in hand. You can build resilience and bounce back from challenges with a positive outlook.

    2. Focus on what you have.

The company you keep can play a considerable role in your mindset. Surround yourself with positive, uplifting people who inspire you. Ignore the cynics and the negative things in the world. If you don’t, you may miss the small, positive things that surround you.

Notice the good things in your life that you might usually take for granted. Your morning coffee, a reliable water supply, and clean air, knowing you can get to school or the grocery store or to work safely. Being grateful for the life you have now builds up a resilience credit to help you endure tough times when they come. And they will come.

    3. Refrain from consuming bad news.

Obsessively checking social media and news sites will keep your focus on the negative, competitive, complaining view of the world. It’s a lopsided view that thrives on generating dissatisfaction and despair. Of course, you should be aware of current events but make it a conscious choice to balance it with your mental health. Sometimes reading the headlines is enough. Steer clear of the internet and focus on making a positive change in your own life.

    4. Live a genuine life.

Building optimism can assist you to live the best life you can, being true to yourself and your values. Optimism means you choose to live in alignment with your desires and your best self. Having a deep-seated belief that you can live a good life and that there’s more than enough to go around is not putting a falsely positive spin on reality. On the contrary, an optimist looks squarely at reality and works out how to make the best of what he has.

 

Embody optimism in daily life.

Optimism has been linked to a number of benefits, including better mental and physical health, increased resilience, and greater success in life.

A daily optimism practice is a simple but effective way to boost your optimism and improve your overall well-being. Follow these 10 simple tips, see the world through a more positive lens, and create a happier life for yourself.

  1. Delve into the practice of gratitude. Take a few minutes each morning to write down or think about three things you are grateful for. This will help you focus on the positive aspects of your life and set a positive tone for the day.

  2. Find the silver lining. When something bad happens, try to find the silver lining. This doesn't mean you have to be happy about the bad thing; instead, it means you can try to find something positive to take away from it.

  3. Focus on your strengths. List your strengths and remind yourself of them regularly. This will help you feel more confident and optimistic about your abilities.

  4. Help others. Being kind to someone else is a great way to boost your own happiness and optimism. It can also help you connect with others and feel more connected to your community.

  5. Take care of yourself. Make sure you are getting enough sleep. Eat healthy foods, and exercise regularly. Taking care of your physical and mental health will help you feel better and more optimistic about your life.

  6. Spend time in nature. Our surroundings impact our mood and mindset. Being in nature has been shown to increase optimism.

  7. Read positive books or articles. Surrounding yourself with positive messages can help you remain optimistic.

  8. Listen to uplifting music. Music can have a powerful effect on your mood. So, listening to uplifting music can help boost optimism.

  9. Practice mindfulness. Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to the present moment without judgment. It can help you focus on the positive aspects of your life and let go of negative thoughts.

  10. Visualize your goals. Taking time every day to visualize your goals can help you stay motivated and optimistic.

 

My final thoughts are.

Remember, cultivating positive thinking is a lifelong practice. By integrating the strategies and mindset shifts we've explored, you'll continue to elevate your optimism and unlock a world of possibilities.

 

For more information, please check out these posts.

The Benefits Of Optimism

The Power Of Optimism And A Positive Mindset



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Flourishing In The Face Of Life's Challenges

Each one of us takes a unique journey in life, and along the way, we encounter common challenges that shape us as individuals. No one's life experience is the same as someone else’s. That isn't to say there isn't any commonality at all, though. These challenges can serve as opportunities for growth, self-discovery, and resilience. It's quite possible that how we respond to these challenges will shape our entire life.

These common challenges are universal experiences that many people face. From dealing with loss and rejection to navigating career changes and understanding ourselves. Additionally, overcoming past traumas, the ending of relationships, and health issues that serve to make us feel like failures.

These challenges are part of everyday living and while they may be difficult to navigate, they can’t always be avoided or ignored.


How will YOU respond to these nine common challenges most of us face?

 

 

Coping with loss.

A loved one passing away is something no one can escape. At some point - and often multiple points - in your life, you will lose someone you love.

 

Grief is a complex and individual journey, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to coping with the pain of losing someone dear. It is important to allow yourself to grieve in your way and at your own pace, recognizing that there is no right or wrong way to mourn. Some may find solace in talking openly about their feelings and seeking support from friends, family, or support groups. Others may prefer to process their emotions privately.

 

It is crucial to be patient and kind to yourself during this time. Understanding that healing takes time and that there is no set timeline for letting go. While it may be tempting to try and push away the pain, it is important to acknowledge and honor the emotions that arise from the loss of a loved one. Allow yourself to feel the full spectrum of emotions. Including sadness, anger, guilt, and even moments of joy or laughter when reminiscing about the person you lost.

 

Taking care of your physical and mental health is essential during this time. Engaging in activities such as exercise, meditation, or therapy can help you navigate the difficult emotions that arise. Additionally, finding healthy ways to commemorate your loved one, such as creating a memory box or writing letters. Participating in rituals or ceremonies can provide a sense of closure and help keep their memory alive.

 

The opinions of others.

While it would certainly be nice to escape the opinion of others, good luck getting through life without dealing with it.

 

Whether it is friends, family, or random strangers, people will have an opinion on how you are living your life. The key is to know your core values and stick to them no matter what other people think.

 

Dealing with someone's negative opinion of you can be challenging, but some strategies can help navigate such situations. It's important to remember that you cannot control how others perceive or judge you. It's essential to focus on your self-esteem and not allow someone else's opinion to define you.

 

One effective approach is to practice self-reflection and self-awareness. Evaluate the validity of the opinion by considering whether it is based on accurate information or simply a subjective judgment. If there are aspects of yourself that you feel need improvement, you can use this feedback as an opportunity for growth.

 

It's also important to surround yourself with a supportive network of friends and loved ones who appreciate you for who you are. Their positive reinforcement can counterbalance the negative opinion and remind you of your value. And remember that the only opinion that truly matters is yours.

 

Rejection.

It would be shocking if you coasted through life without the bitter sting of rejection.

 

Being rejected can be a painful and challenging experience, but it also offers valuable opportunities for growth and self-discovery. Rejection teaches you resilience. It’s through facing rejection and overcoming the associated emotions that you develop strength and learn to bounce back. It reminds you that setbacks are a natural part of life, and you can persevere and learn from them which leads to personal and professional growth. 

 

Rejection can provide valuable lessons in self-reflection and self-improvement. It encourages you to assess your strengths and weaknesses, identify areas for growth, and make necessary adjustments. It provides an opportunity to reassess your goals, aspirations, and the paths you have chosen. Rejection can push you out of your comfort zones, urging you to explore new avenues, acquire new skills, or seek alternative opportunities. Ultimately, it is through the process of reflection and self-improvement that you can transform rejection into a catalyst for growth.

 

Career change.

Some people are fortunate enough to finish school and go into a job that carries them to retirement. While that sounds nice, most of us will have to go through some career changes in life.

 

Here is a list of 10 things that can help you navigate this transition:

 

  • Assess your skills, interests, values, and passions. Reflect on what truly motivates and fulfills you in a career.

 

  • Explore different industries and roles that align with your interests. Learn about the job market, required skills, and potential growth opportunities.

 

  • Connect with professionals in your desired field. Attend industry events, join relevant online communities, and seek informational interviews to expand your network and gain insights.

  • Identify skills from your current experiences that can be applied to your new career. Highlight these skills on your resume and during interviews to demonstrate your value.

 

  • Consider acquiring new qualifications or certifications to augment your knowledge and credibility in your desired field. Take advantage of online courses, workshops, or vocational training programs.

 

  • Gain practical experience and exposure to your desired industry through volunteering or internships. This can help you build applicable skills and expand your network.

 

  • Tailor your resume to highlight relevant experiences and skills for your new career. Update your LinkedIn profile and other online platforms to attract potential employers.

 

  • Consult with career counselors, coaches, or mentors who can provide valuable advice and support throughout your career change journey.

 

  • Consider the financial implications of a career change. Review your budget, savings, and potential income changes to ensure a smooth transition.

 

  • Career changes take time and effort. Be prepared for setbacks and rejections along the way. Embrace the journey and be open to new possibilities.

 

Figure out who you are.

It can take a long time to figure out who you are. Often you spend your entire youth trying to pinpoint it. 

 

Understanding oneself is a lifelong journey of self-discovery and personal growth. There are no simple questions. Yet, humans have been struggling to find simple answers for ages.

 

Here is a list of things that can help you gain a deeper understanding of yourself:

 

1. Set aside time for introspection. Reflect on your values, beliefs, strengths, weaknesses, passions, and goals. Journaling can be a helpful tool for self-reflection.

 

2. Ask trusted friends, family members, or mentors for their insights on your strengths and areas for improvement. Their perspectives can provide valuable insights into how others perceive you.

 

3. Take personality assessments such as Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), Enneagram, or Big Five Personality Traits. These assessments can offer insights into your personality traits, preferences, and behaviors.

 

4. Engage in activities that genuinely interest and excite you. Explore new hobbies, take classes, or join clubs or communities that align with your interests. This can help uncover new aspects of yourself.

 

5. Develop emotional intelligence by paying attention to your emotions and understanding how they influence your thoughts and behaviors. Practice mindfulness and self-compassion to deepen your emotional awareness.

 

6. Set short-term and long-term goals that align with your values and aspirations. This process can provide clarity on what truly matters to you and help you align your actions with your desired outcomes.

 

7. Step out of your comfort zone and embrace new experiences. Travel to new places, try new things or engage in activities that challenge you.

 

8. Read books, articles, or listen to podcasts that explore topics related to self-development, psychology, and personal growth.

 

Overcoming your past.

Your past may not include any serious trauma or skeletons in the closet. But everyone has some regrets and bad decisions.

 

Reflecting on the past is good, but you can't continue to live there. Being able to move beyond the past is an important part of all your experiences. Begin by acknowledging that your past is a part of your life but does not define your present or future. Accept that you cannot change what has happened, but you have the power to shape your present and future choices. Practice self-compassion and forgive yourself for any mistakes or regrets. Understand that growth and personal development come from learning and going forward, not dwelling on past actions or events.

 

Direct your energy and attention toward the present moment and the possibilities that lie ahead. Set goals and create a vision for the future that aligns with your values and aspirations. Take steps to make positive changes in your life, whether it's seeking new opportunities, building healthy relationships, or acquiring new skills. Surround yourself with supportive and uplifting people who believe in your ability to change and grow. Cultivate gratitude for the positive aspects of your life.

 

The end of a relationship.

You’ve heard the stories of high school sweethearts living their lives happily ever after. Many people, though, will likely go through a few relationships before finding “the one.”

 

The end of a relationship can be a massive upheaval. But eventually, you need to get up, brush yourself off and put yourself out there again.

 

Here are some steps to help you let go, heal, and move forward:

 

1. Permit yourself to grieve the loss of the relationship. Allow yourself to feel the sadness, anger, or confusion that may arise. Express your emotions through journaling, or talking to a trusted friend or therapist.

 

2. Focus on taking care of yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally. Prioritize self-care routines, get enough sleep, and maintain a balanced diet.

 

3. Reflect on the relationship and the lessons you've learned. Identify any patterns or behaviors that may have contributed to the end of the relationship. Use this self-reflection as an opportunity for personal growth and development.

 

4. Lean on your support system of friends and family. Share your feelings and thoughts with those who care about you. Connect with others and try to engage in social activities or hobbies that bring you joy.

 

5. Establish boundaries with your ex-partner to create space for healing. Limit situations that may trigger negative emotions or reopen wounds. Unfollow them on social media to minimize reminders of the past. Give yourself time to heal before considering any form of contact or friendship.

 

6. Reconnect with your identity. Focus on personal goals and aspirations. Embrace this opportunity for personal growth and to shape your life according to your desires and values.

 

7. When you feel ready, be open to the possibility of new relationships. Move at your own pace and prioritize your emotional well-being. Be patient and allow yourself to naturally connect with someone who aligns with your values and supports your growth.

 

Health concerns.

Life comes at you very fast if you suffer a severe health issue. Even a less serious health issue could change the way you live your daily life.

 

Regardless of the severity, most people will have to deal with medical issues, their own or others. Helping yourself and others with health issues involves a combination of personal care, support, and empathy. Learn and understand the specific health issues you or others are facing. Research reputable sources, consult healthcare professionals, and ask questions to gather information. This knowledge will empower you to make informed decisions, offer support, and provide accurate information to others.

 

Prioritize your health and well-being. Ensure you are taking care of your physical, mental, and emotional needs. Maintaining a balanced lifestyle includes regular exercise, proper nutrition, sufficient sleep, and stress management techniques. By taking care of yourself, you'll have the energy and resilience to provide support and care to others. Encourage others to adopt healthy habits as well.

 

Show compassion and understanding to those dealing with health issues. Listen and provide a safe space for them to express their feelings and concerns. Validate their experiences and offer reassurance. Simply being present and listening can provide immense comfort. Help with practical tasks such as accompanying someone to medical appointments, organizing medications, or assisting with household chores. Offer to connect them with counseling, or support groups that can provide additional assistance.

 

Failure.

Good luck trying to get through life without failing at something. The reality is everyone fails at some point, which is a good thing. Failure can be the best lesson you will ever learn.

 

Take the time to reflect on your failures and identify the lessons they hold. You learn a lot about yourself in the face of failure. Understand the factors that contributed to the setbacks and analyze what could have been done differently. Use these insights to refine your approach and develop strategies for future endeavors. How you choose to react to failure will shape your entire life. Embrace failures as valuable learning opportunities that can lead to growth and improvement.

 

Reach out to trusted individuals who can provide constructive feedback and guidance. A mentor or coach can offer valuable insights, share their own experiences of overcoming failures, and provide support and encouragement. Additionally, consider expanding your network and connecting with like-minded individuals who have experienced similar setbacks. Sharing experiences and learning from others who have overcome failure can provide motivation and inspiration on your journey.

 

My final thoughts are.

In most of our lives, we will face half of, if not all of the above challenges. As the stoics tell us, it is how we respond to the challenges we face that shapes us.  

 

For more information, read these posts.

Tolerate The Large Challenges In Life

The 7 Logs: Common Challenges We All Face In Life

 

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10 Benefits Of Self Care On Your Mood

Gram’s Wisdom 35

When people think of their mood, they often think of just being in a good mood or a bad mood. But the truth is, there is a large gap between these two extremes. Things like mental stress, physical stress, and so many other factors go into how you feel.

Gram told me your mood is only good or bad depending on how you handle it. She said your emotions, from anxious, irritated, and fearful, at one end of the spectrum, to relaxed, and calm at the other end, affects your moods willy-nilly if you allow them.

Do you feel like you don’t have a balanced mood, or you are constantly moving from one extreme to the other? It might be time to look at your habits, including your morning and evening routines, and how you spend your time. Your behavior has a large impact on your emotions and, ultimately, your moods and how you feel.

Gram was a big proponent of daily routines that you can count on to keep you steady. As Gram once told me, we get plenty of outside influences and people to upset our day.

 

What causes these shifts in your mood?

One of the most surprising things about mood fluctuations is how many things in your day-to-day life, many of which you don’t have control of, can change your mood. The more you understand about mood changes, the more you can decide what lifestyle changes will help the best with your mood-boosting habits.

Some examples of shifts in your mood include:

Stress — Probably one of the most common causes is stress. This can be severe stress where you expect your mood to change, but even very mild forms of emotional stress that you didn’t realize have such a big impact on how you feel and behave overall.

 

Mental health — Many mental health disorders can lead to changes in your mood, including anxiety and depression. If you struggle with your mental health, you might already be aware of how drastically your mood can shift.

 

Sleep habits — Yes, how much and how well you sleep is going to affect your mood! We aren’t just talking about having a bad night’s sleep and not feeling your best the next morning. This also includes poor sleep hygiene habits that affect your mood the next day.

 

Diet — What you will see throughout this content is that what you eat can greatly impact how you feel. What you choose to eat much of the time makes a huge difference in your mood as does the amount of water you drink. So, don’t’ forget to hydrate liberally.

 

Medical causes — Not only can hormone fluctuations affect your mood, but other medical causes like thyroid disorders, stroke, vitamin deficiency, and ADHD might all be the cause of your mood changes.

 

10 Self-care strategies to boost your mood

 

1. Morning routine

Let’s talk a bit about morning routines. This is one of those trending topics that people think is just popular right now and will be gone before we know it, but that isn’t true at all.

You already have a morning routine, whether you knowingly realize it or not. You probably have certain tasks you need to get done shortly after waking up, such as brushing your teeth, taking a shower, walking your dogs, making your kids breakfast, or stumbling out of bed and rushing out the door to get to work.

You needn’t reinvent the wheel with your morning routine, but rather, just add a few actions in your morning that will improve your day and your mood.

One of the best activities you can add to your morning routine is to write in a journal. There are many ways this can help you, but one of my personal favorites is with a brain dump (also called stream of consciousness).

What is a brain dump?

This simply means you write whatever is on your mind and keep writing until you feel like you have gotten through all those nagging thoughts. Your mood fluctuations might be from stress or just feelings of overwhelm. Your thoughts can do that without you even realizing it.

By doing this sort of brain dump in the morning, you get those thoughts out on paper to help release some tension, but also to gain a little more clarity.

 

2. Improve your sleep habits

The next most important thing you can do each day when you want to boost your mood naturally, is to get better sleep. And I’m not just talking about how many hours you sleep, though that is important.

You want to focus on appropriate sleep habits, which is simply the nighttime routine you have before you go to sleep.

Here are some things you can add to your sleep routine that will help you get more restful sleep, and balance your mood at the same time:

Begin getting ready for bed 1-2 hours before you intend to fall asleep.

Try to have a normal (for you) bedtime hour.

Don’t use any electronics or keep the TV on when you are preparing for sleep.

Try to avoid stimulants like caffeine or alcohol shortly before going to sleep.

Set up your bedroom to provide a restful night’s sleep, including a cool and quiet environment.

Get blackout curtains to keep it as dark as possible in your bedroom.

Partake of quiet and calm activities before bed, such as reading or writing in your journal.

With these few changes, you should notice that you tend to fall asleep a little easier, and you don’t wake up nearly as often fatigued and irritable.

 

3. Become more aware of what you eat

I know this isn’t what you want to hear, but what you eat does make a difference to how you feel, both mentally and physically. Some foods, like high amounts of sugar and refined carbohydrates, give you energy and make you feel better in the short-term, but cause an energy crash, after which you might notice your mood worsening.

When it comes to eating well, you want to focus on balance and proper nutrients in moderation. Not being on a restrictive diet, but just trying to get in more complex carbs, whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and lean protein.

 

4. Move your body regularly

In addition to eating correctly, try to get some regular exercise. Again, it isn’t about completing a difficult fitness challenge or pushing yourself to do some extreme form of activity you don’t enjoy.

Rather, find some workouts that get you moving, that motivate and excite you to try, and that you enjoy. These can help you become mentally healthier and improve your mood exponentially, with the added benefit of being good for your physical health as well.

Some exercises you might want to include:

Walking or hiking

Dancing

Taking a local fitness class

Yoga or Pilates

Weightlifting

Family workouts with your children

 

5. Practice gratitude

It’s said, when you appreciate the blessings in your life, it’s hard to focus on what you don’t have. By doing this, your mood will change practically overnight.  

No matter how difficult things might feel in the present moment, there are always things you can be grateful for. It might be the people in your life who are always loving and supportive, a job you enjoy, a roof over your head, your pets or family, or simply your cup of coffee every morning when you have 5 minutes of quiet.

To improve your mood each day, begin writing 5-10 things you are grateful for in your journal. Turn this into a daily routine that you do every morning or evening, and you will notice the changes happening quickly.

 

6. Self-Care should be a priority

Self-care is much more than people realize, and often unappreciated. To put it simply, your self-care routine should be something you do for yourself and only you. At least once a day, you should choose some type of activity that you enjoy, relaxes you, and makes you happy.

While it can be absolutely anything, here are a few ideas if you’re not sure where to begin:

Get a manicure and pedicure

Do a face mask

Watch your favorite show

Read a book

Work on an art project

Take an afternoon nap

Soak in a bubble bath

Meet a friend for coffee

It can be something you do alone or with friends. There are no rules for self-care if it makes you feel better and is something you truly enjoy.

 

7. Declutter and organize your surroundings

Does seeing a pile of shoes left at the door or a dining room table you can’t eat at, exhaust you? Working on your space and getting it organized helps with mood stabilization! Have you ever woken up in a clean and orderly room, and just felt better? Just having a decluttered and clean home can make all the difference to how you feel. You’ll be happier, healthier, and more productive.

Spend just a few minutes a day (set a timer if need be) picking up your home and tidying it as much as you can, even if you have a busy schedule.

 

8. Disconnect once a day

Give yourself at least one time in the day when you are completely disconnected. This means no computer or laptop, no tablet, and no cell phone. It is up to you if you choose to include the television in unplugging, but no phones!

You need some time to relax without social media, phone updates, and text messages. This allows you to bask in the quiet and just enjoy your home and family, without all that extraneous noise.

 

9. Set boundaries for yourself

This might be one of the more surprising ways you can boost your mood naturally. Sometimes, you have so many expectations and so many people needing things from you, that you don’t realize your responsibilities are what is negatively affecting your mood.

It’s okay to say no. It’s okay to turn down an invitation. It isn’t okay to always be the one-person people can count on for whatever they need, whenever they need it. Set some healthy boundaries and let people know when and if you are available to them. If they love you, they will understand your need for boundaries, just as you respect their boundaries.

 

10. Get more sunshine and fresh air

Lastly, try to spend more time outside if you can. Fresh air and vitamin D will both greatly benefit your mood and energy levels.

Too many people don’t get enough vitamin D in their diet and aren’t outside enough during the day to soak it up naturally from the sun’s UV rays. The simplest thing is to figure out how you can spend a little more time outside.

 

My final thought

I love this list of ways to help boost your mood. Number 10 is my particular favorite. Let me know in the comments which of these appeals most to you.

 

For more information, read these posts.

Practice Self Care To Improve Your Mood

Acting The Way You Want To Feel




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