Better Mood Monday
It's Monday -- OH NO! Monday tends to generate mixed reviews. Some are happy to return to the structure of the week, others not so much. If your mood isn't quite as you'd like it to be, here are some suggestions to increase positive emotions and banish the blues. Like most things, it takes some work and practice -- and when you feel down, tying your shoes can be a huge effort -- give it a try, and maybe fix your mood in a few easy steps. Here are some suggestions:
- Daily playful motion and movement -- The right music can inspire you to move your body. But, make it fun! Joy is the key here. Dance, exercise, swim, jump rope, romp with your dog, play a game of tag with your kids. Break a sweat and feel the blues leave your body.
- Unplug -- take a break from bad news, all the photos of other people that make you feel "less than" -- the bragging, the attention-seekers and naysayers that you may see on Facebook, Twitter, the news or whatever your go-to media source might be -- maybe might not be so helpful and really nothing more than mood-sapping noise.
- Get dressed up -- Shine yourself, polish your skin, gloss your hair and dress yourself nicely -- and with spirit and pride! It's hard when your sad, but really give it a go. Smile, flirt and allow yourself to shine as you walk down the street or go to your favorite coffee shop to do some work.
- Find joyful virtues -- On the way to adding more joy and happiness to your life, one key step might be to get into the habit of practicing gratitude, curiosity, peace and generosity. Adults grow up and lose their sense of play, sadly. Who made that rule? Allow yourself to play again and do it with the wild innocence of a child. A friend of mine over lunch was sharing that she has had a desire to finger paint all week. Go for it. Play in the sand, find a hula hoop, play jacks, build something. Play like a kid, and if you weren't allowed or given the space to play much as a child then reclaim your right to play. Yes, your right, and it's allowed now.
- Daily stillness -- This is a YOU time event so pay attention to yourself. Enjoy the stillness, sit still and breathe as you listen to your thoughts and emotions. Start with 2-10 minutes, you can always work your way up to 20 minutes, or not. No goals, just the practice of acceptance and compassion for YOU.
- Detox your diet for a day or 3 -- See how this feels. Lose the sugar and chemicals, eat more plants and drink lots of water. Caffeine is great in the morning, but less good as the day progresses especially if sound sleep is something you crave.
- Be kind to your mitochondria -- Supplement your diet with B vitamins, folic acid, vitamin D or sunshine, CoQ10, L-carnitine and other antioxidants. Your master cells will love your for it.
- Connect with someone -- Face to face conversation with someone, even a stranger, can help you feel connected and improve your mood. Chat up your favorite deli guy or someone in the coffee line. Notice if your mood improved just a bit.