Healthy Ways To Boost Your Mood During COVID-19
There are days when it feels like the bad news will never end, and nothing you do makes the kids happy. It’s tempting to reach for the junk food or the four-hanky movie on your streaming service. Try sone of these healthy ways to boost your mood during COVID-19 instead.
Go Outside and Play
Your grandmother probably said this to you a lot, but it turns out she was right. A little socially distanced fresh air and sunshine can literally brighten your day. As fall moves in, the skies get bluer, and the leaves come out in their colorful glory. Take a stroll and enjoy it. Oh, and getting out in the fall sunshine will get you a dose of immune-boosting vitamin D as well.
Improve Your Diet
Purge the pantry, and replace the chips and candies with small portion packets of nuts high in Omega-3s. Salmon and other fatty fish also supply Omega-3s, which may help reduce anxiety. Add whole grains for healthy fiber to lower cholesterol and clean out your digestive tract. Fruits high in vitamin C can boost immunity. Be sure to include veggies high in folate, a B vitamin that promotes the neurotransmitter serotonin—one of the calming, happy ones. Asparagus, spinach, and broccoli are good sources.
Start a Gratitude Journal
Stop thinking so much about what you don’t have, and make a practice of being grateful for what you do. Expressing gratitude helps to boost happiness and push back stress and depression. Remind yourself of the good things in life. These can be as simple as waking up in the morning, seeing your child smile, or watching a butterfly sail past.
Get Dressed
It’s all too easy for overwhelmed mommies who are working and schooling from home to give up on getting dressed. Take stock of your wardrobe, and if you see nothing but sweatpants and baby-barf-stained T-shirts, it’s time to hop online and buy yourself some new clothes. Comfy or colorful, dressing nicely makes you feel better.
Put on Some Music and Dance With Your Kids
Make a family playlist on a music streaming service of your choice. Let the kids choose some songs, and throw in some oldies of your own. A little family dance party can sneak in some exercise and might leave everyone laughing. A good laugh is always a mood-booster.
Be in the Now
Stay focused on what’s happening today, and stop worrying about things you can’t change. You can’t change what’s past, and you can’t predict the future. Think about what’s right in front of you right now that makes you happy.
Call a Friend
There’s much to be said for a good old-fashioned phone conversation where you don’t have to worry about how you look in bad lighting on someone else’s screen. Check-in with a friend to see how they’re doing. Do something nice like send a little gift or note when your conversation is through.
Little things can mean a lot when it comes to boosting your mood during COVID-19. Taking a healthy road will pay off with a more positive outlook for you and your family.
