Beat Seasonal Depression and Reduce Stress with Six Instant Mood Boosters.

Us women are very busy these days, as a matter of fact, they have always been. And as women, we know that, unfortunately, most of the time we don’t prioritize our health.

Let us think for a second about what can cause stress in our life? Well, if I say emotions and bad food choices, will you believe me? I am not sure, but it is true. Cortisol, the hormone your body produces when you are stressed, increases your appetite and promotes inflammation, reducing the body’s sensitivity to metabolic hormones. To reduce cortisol levels and normalize your metabolism, you must relax.

• No time to de-stress? Think again! You can reduce stress in a second with these instant mood boosters.
• Start laughing.
• Studies show that even forced laughter lowers cortisol and blood pressure instantly.
• Start singing
• Recent studies show that singing your favorite tunes is more beneficial than simply listening to them.
• Call your friend or talk to your pet.
• Study shows that making conversation with someone you care about causes the same kind of positive physiological changes that a massage does. To express your feelings and thoughts you can either call a friend or talk to your pet (pets are even better listeners).
• Take a walk
• Some fresh air and moderate exercise can help clear your mind and frustration or anger.
• Squeeze a squishy ball
• Start squeezing something, such as a squishy ball, to work away your tension.
• Have some Dark Chocolate

Studies show that Dark Chocolate (70-75% of cocoa and higher) can not only lower your blood pressure and clear your arteries, it can also improve your mood by boosting serotonin and endorphin levels in the brain. Take a piece of dark chocolate, close your eyes and relax.

If we don’t take care of ourselves, nobody will, but if something happens to us, who will take care of our children, our family? Studies show that more than 800,000 people a day take time off work because of a stress related illnesses.

Let us be stress smart.

Breathe, smile and be happy.

©Irina Wardas, HHC

Women’s Holistic Health, Nutrition Coach and Counselor