Energy Boosters for “Feeling Bummed” Pt: 4 of 5
by Haley Cooke | January, 18, 2023
Today, we will continue our “Energy Booster” series focusing on different “feelings” we may experience throughout our day, week, or month. If you can relate… keep reading below! If not, check back next week for the final blog within this series!
Pray. Prayer can serve as a relaxing way to slow the body down by decreasing your heart rate, muscle tension, and blood pressure. On a personal level, I have found that when I connect with God through prayer, I put my focus on who is in control and how blessed I am.
Write a gratitude list. Not only is this a time to pause for reflection, but this task can also help you reduce stress and increase your mental strength.
Shrug your shoulders. The body holds onto tension, but there is a simple way to let some of it go. As you take a big, deep breath, bring your shoulders up to your ears. Slowly let the breath go and then begin to drop your shoulders. Repeat this a few times.
Remove the negativity. Being negative drains you of your creativity and physical energy. When a negative thought enters your mind, picture a stop sign. Try replacing the negative thought with a positive one. If it is a person being negative, consider setting a boundary or responding with a positive statement.
Call a friend. When you can call on your friends — in good times and bad — it helps you decompress emotionally. Conversations with friends also boosts happiness and reduces stress.
One baby step at a time. Ask yourself, “What can I do in this moment right now?”. If it seems like too much, it may be too much at one time. Evaluate all that you are doing and scale back if you need to.
Volunteer. When you volunteer, you’re busy helping others which also lifts your spirits and boosts your health.
Eat whole grains. (Pause…not while you are completing the Whole30 though) Whole grains are rich in tryptophan, an amino acid needed to produce serotonin, known as the “feel-good hormone.” People who eat the right whole grains are likely to have a better, more stabilized mood.
Cue the music. Create a playlist of songs that make you want to dance. Anytime you’re feeling bummed, turn to this playlist to boost your mood.
Thank you for these helpful tips. I need some good tips for working on my mental health and releasing tension and negativity. I am looking forward to trying some of these new things. I did not know that whole grains helped with serotonin.