5 Easy Mood-Boosters to Get You Into the “Swing of Spring”
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted April 10, 2022
Dear Living Well Daily Reader,
Happiness may be one of the harder things to find in the midst of a crazy world like ours.
And a long winter certainly didn’t make things easier!
But just because a good mood might feel difficult to find, doesn’t mean it’s impossible.
In fact, scientists have done SCADS of studies to investigate what makes us humans happy…
And today, I’m going to bring you the best of their research.
Here are 5 easy mood boosters to get you into the swing of springtime.
The following suggestions just go to show that you don’t have to take a bunch of pills to feel happy (unlike Big Pharma preaches).
Boosting your mood can be fun AND free!
- Get outside. We humans are not made to spend our lives constantly inside. Stepping out for a bit of fresh air and sunshine can do wonders for your health. You can even do a 2-for-1 deal by planning to spend a day in the forest or at the beach. The day away can function like a mini-vacation, letting you forget your worries and concerns while getting a mental reset.
- Make a fun new routine with your spouse or family. A study from 2016 showed that families who bond together through familiar routines had better moods than those who didn’t. Whether that’s going to church with your spouse, or taking your grandchild to the park, having a regular routine with a loved one can be uplifting.
- Start your day by being grateful. Scientists who study our brains and attitudes have found that we “weigh” bad things more heavily than good things. That means one small bad thing can wipe out a large number of good things. The solution? Pay attention and celebrate the good things in your life. Take a moment when you wake up to be grateful for everything you have.
- Bedtime. Before you head to bed, consider writing in a journal, reading a book that inspires you, and, by all means, getting far away from your electronic devices. Put yourself in “timeout” for a while before you lay your head on your pillow. It doesn’t have to be very long but make it a regular part of your bedtime routine.
- Brain support. A healthy brain is a happy brain. Make sure you are getting enough essential fatty acids like fish oil, B vitamins, and amino acids such as tyrosine, tryptophan, phenylalanine.
P.S. Want another simple way to cheer yourself up? Try this food swap.
SOURCES:
Estrada, Jessica. “7 Small Ways to Improve Your Joy and Happiness, According to Science and Experts.” 1/5/2022. https://www.wellandgood.com/ways-improve-joy-happiness/
Letzer, Rafi. “9 science-backed ways to be a happier person.” 9/29/2016. https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-be-happy-science-psychology-2016-9#1-exercise-study-after-study-has-shown-that-people-who-exercise-lead-happier-more-fulfilled-lives-1
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
Men, If You’re Feeling Tired—Don’t Ignore THIS Warning
You know that feeling when you wake up tired… and stay tired all day? You chalk it up to age—but lately, it’s worse. You’re dragging… You need more coffee… Your energy just isn’t what it used to be! But what if it’s not just age? A new study shows that fatigue in older men could...
Mailbag: Science-Backed Strategies Target Belly Fat
“What is an effective strategy for gradually eliminating (white) belly fat?” —Slimming Down Hi Slimming, White fat is the most common fat in the body, and its primary purpose is to store energy. But belly fat isn’t just about appearances. Having too much of it is associated with health issues like diabetes, heart disease, and...
Just 35 Minutes Could SAVE Your Brain
For years, I’ve told you exercise is non-negotiable for healthy aging. As you age you must move more to protect your body and brain. Now, groundbreaking new research confirms what I’ve been saying all along. Exercise can slash your dementia risk—but with a surprising twist that eliminates your last excuse for not moving more. Dementia...
The One Supplement I'll Never Stop Taking
Omega-3s are one of the few supplements I’ve continued to take ever since I graduated from medical school. And now, exciting new research confirms what I’ve suspected all along… This remarkable fatty acid doesn’t only support heart and brain health—it could, quite literally, slow down the aging process itself. Omega-3s are polyunsaturated fats your body...
Your Morning Tea Pulls DOUBLE DUTY as a Heavy Metal Detox
You don’t need another reason to drink tea, do you? You already know tea helps with everything from boosting heart health and metabolism to reducing stress. It’s packed with antioxidants, calms inflammation, and gives you a gentler caffeine boost than coffee. But now researchers have discovered yet another benefit of your daily drink—and this one...
Fiery Spice Cools Painful IBD Inflammation
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) involves chronic inflammation of the digestive tract that causes abdominal pain, diarrhea, and fatigue. The two most common forms of IBD are Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis. Crohn’s can cause inflammation anywhere in the gastrointestinal tract from the mouth to the anus. Ulcerative colitis causes inflammation and ulceration in the large intestine...
Ditch the Coffee Dehydration Myth and Enjoy Java Again
I can’t imagine starting my day without a delicious steaming cup of hot coffee. If you’re also a coffee fan, I bet you’ve been treated to well-meaning warnings by the non-Java drinkers… “Coffee is so dehydrating!” “It’s basically stealing water from your body!” “You need to drink extra water to make up for it!” Even...
Research Reveals Loneliness is “Poisoning” Your Blood
We humans are social creatures. We thrive on connection, communication, and shared experiences—which help shape our identities and foster a sense of belonging. Yet, loneliness and social isolation are alarmingly common in an increasingly digital and fast-paced world. The World Health Organization (WHO) says about 25 percent of older people experience social isolation. But new...
Mailbag: Ease Invisible Pain and Fatigue NATURALLY
“Why isn’t there more research on fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome? It’s mainly a woman’s condition and too many health professionals tell us “It’s all in your head,” or words to that effect.” —Fatigued and Fuming Hi Fuming, Your frustration over the lack of research and dismissive attitudes when it comes to fibromyalgia and...
Junk Food DOUBLES Risk of Embarrassing Leaks
Ladies, if you need another reason to think twice before hitting the drive-thru, I have one for you. A new study found that a fast-food habit can contribute to a problem most women would rather not talk about—urinary incontinence. That’s right, those embarrassing “oops” moments when you laugh, cough, or exercise could be directly linked...