Our Top 4 Mood Boosters this Winter
Posted by Emma Nolan on 22nd Nov 2022
Being positive can be difficult at the best of times, however never more so than during the winter months. A lot of us find it harder to be positive and motivated during these times as it is dark, cold, and usually raining - doesn't exactly scream happy and postive does it? Don't worry you're not alone if you feel this way, in fact according to the NHS, in the UK around 2 million people will get the 'winter blues'. However, there are things you can do to improve your mood and overall wellbeing. We have put together our top 4 tips for boosting your mood below. These are things we have tried and tested to stay positive and healthy, so we hope they help you too!
Healthy Eating
During times of stress and emotional discomfort, it is so easy to reach for foods that we think are going to make us happy. This usually involves high sugar, processed foods that we have always turned to during these times. Unfortunately, they may be doing more harm than good. It is time to break the cycle and change these choices. While mood depends on many different factors, choosing certain healthy options can help. See below for 5 mood boosting foods to try next time you need a lift!
Fatty Fish
Fatty fish like salmon and albacore tuna are rich in two types of omega-3s — docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) — that are linked to lower levels of depression
Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate is rich in compounds that may increase feel-good chemicals in your brain. Chocolate, also, has a high hedonic rating, meaning that its pleasurable taste, texture, and smell may also promote good mood
Fermented Foods
Since up to 90% of your body’s serotonin is produced in your gut, a healthy gut may correspond to a good mood. Fermented foods like kimchi, yogurt, kefir, kombucha, and sauerkraut are rich in probiotics that support gut health.
Bananas
Bananas are a great source of natural sugar, vitamin B6 (which helps synthesize feel-good neurotransmitters), and prebiotic fiber, which work together to keep your blood sugar levels and mood stable.
Berries
Berries are rich in disease-fighting anthocyanins, which may lower your risk of depression.
Excercise
Exercise, in my opionion, is the BEST mood booster out there! There is no better feeling than that after a workout. Working out for 30 minutes a day can help boost your endorphins, which can trigger a positive feeling within the body. With so many ways to get your heart pumping, from weights to running, getting this endorphin rush has never been easier. You don't need to spend loads of money on a fancy gym membership either, simply get outside in nature or do a home workout in the comfort of your living room!
Personally I choose to do my workout in the morning as I think it sets me up for the day. On days when I exercise I find I'm more awake throughout the day and my outlook is, generally, a lot more positive. I also think it impacts what I eat as it makes me want to go for healthier options!
Mindfulness
Journalling
Journalling can be so helpful for getting thoughts out of your head, putting them on paper instead. Sometimes things can happen throughout the day that aren't so great and can affect us negatively. If we don't get these feelings out it can be dragged into the next day, making that one equally as bad. Writing out all your thoughts and feelings can be so therapuetic and can even give you a fresh outlook on anything thats happened. I have a dedicated notebook for journalling which I try to write in every evening. I definitely think it helps me sleep better and wake up fresh in the morning!
Meditation
When you think mindfulness, I imagine meditation comes to mind straight away. Meditation is great for bringing you into the present moment, this can help reduce anxiety and stress in certain situations.
There is a common misconception that meditation is about removing all thoughts whirling around in your mind and just sitting there in silence. This is not true! In my opinion, it would be very hard to sit there for 10 minutes and not have one thought come into your head. Meditation is all about becoming aware of your thoughts, not getting rid of them. It helps you recognise when unhelpful thoughts arise and provides techniques on how to change your outlook on them! If you do struggle with a racing mind I would definitely recommend giving meditaion a go.
Cold Showers
Cold water therapy and cold showers have become increasingly more popular over the last few years, and for good reason! Not only are cold showers great for skin and hair, but they have also been linked to reduced inflammation, lower stress levels and increased mood.
From personal experience, I definitely noticed less tiredness and also a sense of achivement having done it (which is a great mood booster!). I would recommend to start small, even 20 seconds at the end of your warm shower and slowly increase it at your own pace. My top tip is to go warm first and then go cold, and also don't forget to breathe. Once the cold water starts to flow your body can go into a bit of shock so remember to take big deep breathes and enjoy all the benefits!
Supplements
We do understand that, sometimes, you just need a helping hand to boost your mood. We have products that can supplement your everyday lifestyle to increase your mood and overall wellbeing!
We have picked our top 5 products that have been tried and tested, including magnesium, essential oils and more.
Our Top 5 Picks for Mood Boosting
Serotonin Booster
Serotonin Brain Food™ is designed to support the body's natural production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter essential to mental well-being.
Supports a positive mood, promotes a sense of well-being, and relieves stress.
This natural formula contains the precursors and co-factors required for healthy serotonin metabolism.
Essential Oils
A blend of pure essential oils, including grapefruit and bergamot, in a coconut oil base to uplift your spirits and help you feel positive and keep smiling.
Simply roll over pulse points, take a deep breathe and relax!
S-Adenosyl-Methionine (SAMe)
A best seller SAMe, or S-Adenosyl-Methionine, benefits many critical metabolic functions in the body. This amazing compound helps maintain a stable mood and supports both joint and liver health.
Probiotic
Bio-Kult Brighten is an advanced multi-action formulation designed to bring out your Inner Smile.
It is formulated with the same great 14 strains found in the original best-selling product, but also benefits from the addition of vitamins B6 and B12, which contribute to normal psychological function as well as the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
Magnesium
Magnesium plays two important roles in the brain: It blocks the activity of more stimulating neurotransmitters and binds to calming receptors, resulting in a more peaceful, resting state.
Magnesium can help to reduce fatigue, also, which will result in a less stressful and irritable mindset.