10 Simple Ways to Improve Your Mood

www.kwananju.com: 10 Simple Ways To Improve Your Mood
I’ve been struggling to write this post.  I’m not feeling 100% and need reminding that beauty exists in the world. If you’re in the same boat as me, you’re in luck. I’m sharing ten tips for coping when you feel like the universe is throwing all the struggles at you. I’ll get straight to the point:


  1. Get Active: Go for a run, dance, do yoga, go for a walk. It’ll give your body a much-needed physical and mental boost. 
  2. Take a nap.
  3. Take an Epsom salt bath: I’m not a bath person, but I’ve been taking baths to help me relax once or twice a week. Soaking in Epsom salts replenishes the body's magnesium lives and helps produce serotonin, chemical that creates the feeling of calm and relaxation (SaltWorks). 
  4. Call a friend.
  5. Sniff some lavender: When inhaled, lavender reduces anxiety and provides calming, soothing and sedative effects (UMM, BodyEcology, MindBodyGreen). I put a few drops in the bath or in my humidifier when I need it always feel a little more relaxed afterward. It also helps me sleep when my mind is racing. 
  6. Meditate: I favor Transcendental Meditation, but any form of mindful silence will help you a whole lot. 
  7. Eat a well-balanced meal: Cook or go buy a healthy meal. Food can affect your mood so watch what. 
  8. Have some chai or whatever warm drink you like. I had hot sake with a friend yesterday and both elevated my mood! 
  9. Read.
  10. Practice gratitude: count and list your blessings. Maybe after seeing some of things you’re thankful for, you’ll notice that life isn’t so bad after all. (Here’s my list: I woke up this morning, I have the ability to blog, I have family and friends that love me, rain, I ate three meals today, and I have a home.)

In the spirit of keeping it real

My levels of cynicism right now are unmatched; for every one beautiful thing you name, I can give you five things that are wrong with my life. To give myself a break from the negative, I’ve been using some the activities on this list. If you’re stressed out, tired, and feeling defeated, try something on my list. It might just give you the little boost you need to stare your struggle in the face and work through it like the confident, competent person you are.

Like you, I’ll keep trying to find the light and one day maybe cultivate it within myself. Until then, I’m relying on these ten tips to help invite some positivity into my life.