Make over your moods

Do you feel lethargic, crabby or just plain not as good as you could? There’s a cure for that — and it has nothing to do with popping a pill.

Be berry happy

Dr. Lindsey Duncan, N.D., C.N., celebrity nutritionist and superfoods expert suggests Goji berry. Known as the “happy berry,” it contains unique polysaccharides believed to stimulate the glands of the endocrine system. Fans of the Goji berry swear by its feel-good effect. Dr. Duncan also suggests making sure you are consuming enough vitamin B. Shown to boost energy, vitamin B is not made or stored in the body, so it’s up to you to consume it through food sources. Look for juices, like that of the tasty Acai berry, that are labeled as vitamin B fortified.

Stop fearing fat

Scientific research shows a direct correlation between depression and a diet that lacks essential fatty acids. Dr. Barry Sears, creator of The Zone Diet, says there are easy and tasty ways to increase your healthy fat intake. Eat salmon a couple of times a week for dinner or add it into a salad at lunch. At breakfast, sprinkle flax seeds into your yogurt or cereal.

Just breathe

Consciously, that is. Studies have shown that practicing conscious breathing will clear your mind, lower blood pressure and energize you. The best part? You can practice conscious breathing anywhere.

Elaine Masters, an RYT certified yoga instructor and author of Drivetime Yoga recommends using a seven-four-seven technique to trigger your body’s relaxation response. Inhale slowly and deeply through the nose, while counting up to seven. Hold the breath for four seconds. Then, slowly count to seven as you exhale through the nose. Repeat several times to feel the calming benefits.

Smile

Holistic lifestyle expert Jasmine Kaloudis recommends giving your mood a boost with a truly meaningful smile that will flow through to your insides. Put the smile on your face that you would have at seeing a newborn baby or watching puppies or kittens at play. Focusing on the simplistic joy of that image, feel the smile start to grow warmly inside of you. Taking a moment to remember real joy may just help to minimize the weight of your stress or bad mood.

Bag your morning beverage

Many swear by the morning coffee jolt,  but when it comes to your mood, it’s not doing you any favors. According to Margaux J. Rathbun, a certified nutritional therapy practitioner, too much caffeine can cause mood swings, anxiety, panic attacks and insomnia. If you crave a warm morning beverage, try green tea, which is full of antioxidants and theanine, shown to help maintain concentration and balance moods. Worried about caffeine headaches? Green tea does contain some caffeine, so you won’t risk that “coffee hangover” by going cold-turkey off your morning joe.

Reduce stress through meditation

Stress relief mindfulness meditation exercise

Christopher Lee May takes you through the mindfulness meditation exercise. It is a simple but powerful exercise that any one can do. If you’re looking for a relaxing meditation, this is perfect. Enjoy!

More mood boosting tips

Motivate yourself in eight easy steps
6 Stress-busting foods to stock up on
How anger is damaging your health