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
Can't Shake Negative Thoughts? Check Your GUT First
Everyone struggles sometimes to stay positive or see the bright side of things. It’s part of being human. You might think those negative thoughts start in your brain—but it’s more complicated than that. A simple change to your daily habit can help dial down those negative feelings. New research suggests that this simple strategy could...
Repair Your Gut Barrier With the “Sunshine Cure”
Happy Fourth of July! As you celebrate with sunshine, good food, and great company, don’t forget—those summer rays aren’t just lifting your spirits… they’re also working behind the scenes to protect your gut and boost your health. Your gut health is more important than most people realize. It directly affects your overall well-being—from immunity to...
The 5 Health Numbers Your Doctor Wishes You'd Track
Have you ever been told you should “advocate” for yourself when it comes to your healthcare and wondered what that really means? It’s not just a buzzword—it’s a powerful concept that empowers you to take charge of your own health journey. In fact, it could save your life. Being your own best health advocate starts...
Do THIS Every 20 Minutes to STOP Digital Eye Strain
Our eyes are under assault—they are the true victims of our current digital age. And it’s because we are constantly glued to screens… phones, tablets, computers, TVs—you name it. Unfortunately, that screen time is taking a serious toll. Digital eye strain affects millions worldwide. In fact, up to 50 percent of computer users could develop...
Mailbag: The Calcium Mistake That's Hardening Your Arteries
“What type of calcium is best to take with bisphosphonates for osteoporosis? I know some varieties can build up in arteries. Thanks for the help.” —Bone Builder Hi Builder, When a patient asks me about calcium, I ask them a peculiar question in return… “Ever wonder how elephants and giraffes build and maintain their massive...
Doctor-Approved Method to Ditch Blood Pressure Meds
In a world where drug solutions dominate healthcare, it’s refreshing to discover that best remedies sometimes don’t involve a single pill. A groundbreaking study shows simple relaxation techniques could be your secret weapon against one of America’s deadliest health conditions. Best of all? It’s free, easy to start right away—and your results are bound to...
Trouble Hearing? Your Heart Could Be at Risk
With research exploding and data pouring in, scientists are uncovering some weird (and surprisingly helpful) health connections. Today’s odd couple? Hearing loss and heart failure. Turns out your ears and your ticker are more connected than you ever imagined. A major study published in the journal Heart looked at over 164,000 people for nearly a...
Stay Up Late? It Could Destroy Your Mental Health
If you dread mornings but come alive at night, there’s concerning new research you need to know about. A recent study found that “night owls” are at higher risk for depression. But before you rush to set your alarm to get up with the sun tomorrow, there’s more to the story… Chronotypes are essentially your...
Go from Flabby to Fit with this Common Vitamin
If you’re like many of us, you woke up one day, looked in the mirror, and realized you’re no spring chicken anymore. Even worse—when you weren’t paying attention—it seems you somehow misplaced the muscles of your youth and have gone from fit to flabby. Aging has a way of humbling us like that. But scientists...
Seasonal Allergy “Off Switch” Discovered in the GUT
“Doc, why am I suddenly suffering from seasonal allergies when I’ve never had them before?” It’s a question I get all the time—and my answer might surprise you. Stop looking up at the trees—and start looking down at your gut… Your sneezing fits, itchy eyes, and runny nose might have more to do with what’s...