May 8th, 2018
Isabel’s Top 10 Tips for Mood Boosting
May is devoted to Mental Health Awareness.
Mental health is inseparable from physical health, and as the approach to wellness changes, we are seeing that more and more research is pointing to our nutrition, diet and exercise as major influences in our sense of happiness. So, in observation of Mental Health Awareness Month, now is a good time to check-in with your wellbeing, and check out these tips to boost your mood. Enjoy these super easy tips that should have you feeling happy in no time!
1. Start your day with some mindful movement
Take a walk in nature, do some yoga in your pjs, put on your favorite workout video before heading to the office. Starting the day with movement is a nonnegotiable in my book- it energizes the body AND mind, setting you on the right track to conquer the day.
2. Probiotics
Take them! Our gut bacteria is seriously important to our mood and to our health, and keeping the gut bacteria profile healthy requires a probiotic for most of us (and also prebiotics too… keep reading!).
Here’s a few we love:
- Prescript Assist
- Klaire Labs: Therbiotic
- Ultimate Flora by Renew Life
- Primal Defense Ultra: Garden of Life
3. Prebiotic foods
They’re your friends too! Prebiotic foods are key for helping to keep those healthy bacteria alive and well. Asparagus, onions, bananas, tiger nut flour, apples, jerusalem artichoke. These are foods you’ll want to include more of.
4. Skip/cut back on the caffeine
Sorry all you caffeine lovers! Especially for those of you who suffer with anxiety, over caffeinating can make it even worse. Try cutting back, and see how your mood improves!
5. Eat plenty of greens
Loaded with folate, magnesium, iron and fiber- these greens are so helpful for mood. Not to mention they are amazing for weightloss, because they are low in calories, packed with nutrients AND leave you feeling fuller for longer. So go ahead, eat ’em up!
6. Stay hydrated
When we don’t get enough water our bodies tend to slow down, and you start feeling lethargic. Make sure you drink PLENTY of water throughout the day to keep your body operating optimally.
7. Add cocoa to your smoothies
To all my chocoholics out there, this is GREAT news! Chocolate contains a type of antioxidant called polyphenols, which are thought to boost mood and make your feel calmer.
8. Make time to see your friends
Socializing has been found to improve mental health by boosting your mood and decreasing depression. Socializing has also been linked to improving your brain health, cognition, and lower your risk of dementia. Make time for the people who are important to you, and leave you feeling great!
9. Eat more fish (wild of course!)
Fish is a great source of protein, which is a key to producing mood-boosting neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. It’s also high in vitamin B12, which is an essential vitamin for a healthy brain and nervous system. But, whats really amazing is that fish is a source of omega-3 essential fatty acids which is strongly linked to improved mood, and wellbeing.
10. Try using CBD oil:
A sometimes controversial topic- using CBD oil allows for a body relax without the head high, which can be appreciated by any of us with lots on our agenda, but a desire to relax just a little more. CBD benefits seem to be growing, daily. The key here is picking one that you trust and is clean and like anything, well sourced. Here’s a few I like:
- Quiksilver Colorado Hemp Oil (30 mg per 4 pumps = 1 serving)
- Charlotte’s Web Hemp Extract Oil (10 mg per 1 mL = 1 serving)
I recommend starting slow, 10 or 25 mg/mL-and of course with any medical conditions check in with your doctor!
