Mood levels have a huge influence on our everyday lives, though it is us who decides whether or not we want to change our moods for the better. Our mental health is so important, and changing our perspective and some of our everyday routines into a healthier lifestyle helps immensely with our mood, and results in motivation! Mood changes can occur during different times in your life…most often with weather changes or during a time where you feel overwhelmed and have neglected to think about yourself and your health first. If you are feeling like you need a positive change in your life, then these are some suggestions that can help change your mood and give you more motivation in life!
1. Sleep
Sleep is incredibly important when trying to change your mood level into a more positive one. We always hear about how important sleep is for our health because sleep has many beneficial physical and emotional effects on one’s self. Sleep improves your memory, increases your creativity, improves your grades, lowers your stress level and steers you away from depression. more sleep creates a better sex life, too!
2. Wake up with a positive thought
Everyone dreads the awful sound of their alarm telling them to wake up unnaturally and start their day. I completely understand if you can’t wake up easily and need that alarm to be your bedside companion. Though, with an alarm, we usually tend to feel a little more agitated when we wake up in flusters trying to hit that off button. So instead of staying agitated, try to relax. Give yourself 5 minutes to sit up, open your eyes, and then think of one positive thought. Instead of dreading getting up in the morning and going through your long day, having a positive thought first thing in the morning can help change your mindset and create a positive attitude to help you get through your day!
3. Eat a real breakfast
Breakfast, the most important meal of the day. The fuel to your energy and the light to your spirit. Skipping out on breakfast has negative effects on your mental and physical health. Without a healthy, hearty breakfast, your energy level decreases during your day. Living on coffee to fuel you up is not the right solution. Having breakfast allows you to have the right start to your day. I know getting up a little earlier can seem difficult when you are studying late at night, but having breakfast can help you succeed in your day. If you have trouble with timing your mornings to make a breakfast, try to find recipes you enjoy that you can prep for at night to grab and go in the morning. A personal favorite of mine is a fruit yogurt bowl with granola. Just remember to never neglect your body and its hunger!
4. Never rush in the morning. Give yourself the time you need.
Rushing in the morning is never a good way to start your day. When you rush, your mind can become easily frustrated by the smallest annoyances. Give yourself the time you deserve. Set that alarm clock 10-15 minutes earlier than you usually do. It may take some time to get used to the change in your morning routine, but trust me, the change will benefit you in the long run.
5. Take a much deserved “me” break
Everyone gets so involved in their hectic day that they forget to stop and take a moment for themselves to recollect and recharge. Take a moment out of your day for yourself. It does not have to be a long break, just however long you need. Whether it be watching an episode on Netflix, or going to the gym, or even taking a cat nap, do what you need to do to recharge. A break for yourself allows you to slow down and really listen to what you need. Be good to yourself, and take that break.
6. Actually breath the air outside
Walking from class to class outside does not count as getting fresh air when you are literally outside for 5 minutes max. Students can become so cooped up in their homes, the library and in class, that some days they never go outside. Breathing fresh air allows fresh new oxygen to enter your body. I mean, who doesn’t love oxygen that is clean! If you feel you are a person who does not go outside as often as they should, this may be that one thing you need to change in your routine to create a more positive energy level! Oxygen is the equivalent of gas for a car…. think about how fast you could run if you just breathed a little more? Go for a walk, get outside, and breath that fresh air.
7. Never neglect the amount of water you should be drinking
Everyone knows that water is the best hydrating liquid. Studies say you should be aiming to drink about eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day, which means you should be consuming 236 ml of water. Your body will start to slow down if it feels dehydrated, as well as become more tired, susceptible to frequent headaches, and cause you to be less focused. If you don’t already own a reusable water bottle, go get one now! We are blessed to be constantly surrounded by water stations around campus, so nothing should be stopping you from drinking a nice 8-ounce glass of H2O.
8. Exercise, whatever that means to you
Go for a walk, go to the gym, go on a run, honestly whatever working out means to you! Working out creates endorphins, and endorphins make you happy! The less you sit on your a** and the more you get up and stretch your body out, the more your body will thank you. It does not matter if you are not the fittest of people, it matters that you are trying to move your body and create a healthy flow. Exercising, even if it is the smallest exercise, goes a long way. Try finding what works for you and incorporating it into your everyday routine.
9. Find your quote of the day
Surrounding yourself with positive messages sends off positive vibes. It could be anything, from a quote on your desktop or phone to just following a positivity account on Instagram. Having small reminders of how awesome you are or a funny quote that makes you happy is highly encouraged.
10. Hang with those who make you happy
Surrounding yourself with people who make you happy is so important. You are not in high school anymore, where you want to be friends with everyone. As you grow up, you begin to notice who your true relationships/friendships lie with. Having 5 amazing close friends is a lot more rewarding than having 50 okay friendships. Those 5 close friendships may just be the only people you need in your life to feel happy. This also applies to your SO too. If your SO doesn’t make you happy or fulfil your life in any way, then they are not worth your time or energy. Start thinking about you and what you want in your life. This time of your life is so important for growth and change. If you surround yourself with people who are not there to cheer you on, well then that is just a waste of time and a lot bullsh*t to go through. Create a close circle of friends that allows you to be the best version of yourself. Positive people create positive mindsets. Who you choose to spend your time with greatly influences who you are and who you will become as a person!
I hope these tips can help you become more positive, and grow into the person you want to be!