Blue Monday is on its way. As the ‘most depressing’ day of the year, the 18th January wants to throw us off track, but we know the #EmmaWallaceWoman is stronger than that!
This week we’re giving you some top tips on staying positive and riding through this uncertain time in style. Get ready to turn that Monday around before it arrives.
Work It Out
Whilst we may be in various stages of lockdown, exercising either inside or out is a quick way to give both your body and mind a boost. Physical activity triggers the release of endorphins into the bloodstream, relieving pain and producing a feeling of well-being. Research has also shown that it quickly releases electrical activity in the emotional processing areas of the brain which will improve your mental health. Whether it’s a brisk walk, a dance off in your dining room or a spin class in your spare room, raising your heart rate will help your mood skyrocket.
Get Cheesy
The Swiss Cheese Plant is your new best friend when it comes to boosting your mood. These popular plants have been swarming social media, but aside from being Instagrammable, they purify the air around them, helping to make your home healthier and your body and mind happier. You can even grow new plants from their cuttings meaning you can spread the joy for years to come.
Celebrate The Small Wins
In these troubling times it can feel like those bigger goals in our lives have been put on pause as we try to navigate through the pandemic. However, when it comes to boosting your positivity levels, celebrating little moments every day will instantly make you feel better. At the end of each day, write down one positive thing that happened that day and take a moment to mark it. You emptied the dishwasher? You cleared your inbox? You tidied your room? You made your bed? You made someone smile? Whatever that mini event was, enjoy it and note that feeling. Studies have found that those who write about positive experiences have better mood levels. With that in mind, it’s an easy practice that’s guaranteed to improve your positivity.
Go Decadently Dark
We all love to indulge in a bar of chocolate from time to time but, for those seeking to lift their mood, heading to the dark side is a wise move. Dark chocolate stimulates the production of endorphins which trigger feelings of pleasure. Not to mention, dark chocolate also contains serotonin which will help to elevate your mood. Delicious and nutritious, we’re so here for this tip!
Sing
Whether you have the voice of a songbird or sound like a cat being swung, singing can have some remarkably positive effects. When we sing, large parts of our brain light up with activity and we also see involvement of the emotion networks of the brain. In addition, the physicality of singing e.g. filling our lungs, the firm control of our vocal chords, the movements of our mouth and body can boost our mood. Singing is an aerobic exercise which sees the release of endorphins and gives a feeling of euphoria that can reduce stress. Karaoke, choir or simply singing along to the radio – you choose the track and get ready to feel uplifted.
With these five top tips you’ll be able to lift your mood and ensure you tackle Blue Monday in style with a smile!