10 Ways to Enhance Your Mood

If you’ve ever felt your mood slipping, it can be difficult to know how to get back on the right track. Even if you know what's causing your downswing, eliminating these causes can be tricky. If you're hoping for a quick fix, I'm sorry to say there isn't one. That said, these ten suggestions will help point you in the right direction and should take plenty of the struggle out of that search for natural mood enhancement.

1. Get some sun.

If you've ever felt low, the last thing you want to do is sit on the couch and watch TV all day. But as much as we hope our moods lift with each sunny day, there's actually a direct connection between sunlight and our physical state.

The health benefits of sunlight are numerous, but perhaps simplest is its ability to regulate your sleep cycle. The sun's bright rays stimulate your immune system and produce vitamin D through its UV rays. Vitamin D has a profound effect on your mood by reducing stress hormones that are responsible for making you feel lousy. When the sun goes down, your mood will be determined by the darkness.

2. Get active.

Not only does exercise have the ability to enhance your mood, it also has a direct effect on stress hormones. A regular jog, long walk or swim is like a little vacation that consistently leaves you feeling good afterward. Not only is exercise an excellent remedy for depression, it also has been shown to increase levels of serotonin in the brain.

Serotonin is responsible for increasing feelings of happiness and contentment. And when you're feeling great and happy, nothing else matters as much as making others happy as well.

3. Get plenty of sleep.

One thing that's not going to get you in the mood for life is too little sleep. In fact, a 2005 study proved that getting less than seven hours a night significantly lowers your immune system, making it easier to catch colds and viruses. And if you have insomnia, then don't try to power through the night by drinking coffee or taking a sleeping pill. It only makes things worse by producing the rebound effect of making you even more exhausted the next day.

The good news is that those feelings of exhaustion won't last forever! Simply establishing good sleep hygiene habits will improve your quality of life exponentially in no time at all.

4. Eat right and exercise regularly.

The last thing you want to do is dive into the kitchen and reach for a box of Ding Dongs. If you're already a healthy eater, then good for you. But if you're hoping to see your mood improve, it's time to start paying attention to what you eat. And I'm not talking about menu planning here. The key is getting enough protein.

It's no secret that protein is responsible for promoting the overall health of your body and mind. But if you know that protein contributes to a better mood, then why not take advantage of its benefits? Consider taking a little more time over dinner and adding some meat, fish or poultry to your recipe for dinner.

5. Eat more fruit.

Fruit is naturally sweet and provides some of the best health-boosting vitamins and minerals that our body needs. But food isn't just about the vitamins and minerals it contains, it's about the nutrients that those vitamins and minerals provide to your body. And if you want to feel happier, then you need a little more pep in your step. Try adding two or three fruit servings a day to your diet to give yourself a healthy boost.

6. Exercise during the day and avoid car commutes at night.

If you're taking a bus or subway to work, you already know what to do! But even if you drive, don't be too hard on yourself if you find yourself wanting to climb into bed at night. It's completely natural for your body and mind to crave rest after a long day of activity. Don't let the darkness turn your life about against you. Just plan ahead by exercising during the day so that when the sun goes down, it doesn't take too much coaxing get to bedtime.

7. Listen to soothing music.

Sometimes it's less about what we do to improve our mood and more about what we do to take our minds off the perfection of today. And when you're in a downswing, there's nothing that can make you happier than listening to music. The power of music is like no other, but only when it comes to soothing your mind and soul. So reach for your iPod or CDs for some calming tunes. After all, there's no better way to get you up and moving again.

8. Drink some coffee or tea.

If there's one thing that's guaranteed to make your mood better, it's coffee. And while you should absolutely avoid coffee if you have any heart issues, the benefits of caffeine are worth the risk.

Many studies have shown that caffeine can boost your mood and productivity by increasing your alertness, energy and helping you stay focused on the task at hand.

The best part about this is that it's completely safe for humans to consume. But if you need a little help getting through those exhausting nights, try some herbal tea as well.

9. Get some exercise every day.

You don't have to become a gym rat, but you should be sure to get some good exercise every day. Some of the more popular forms of exercise include jogging, swimming and biking. But if you're not sure where to start, consider taking a yoga class or even just following along with the video programs on YouTube.

10. Listen to your favorite music.

Just like listening to soothing music takes your mind off today's imperfections, so does listening to your favorite artist or band. They say that art imitates life and although I'm not quite sure if that's true or not, what I do know is that when you hear your favorite song it can certainly take you back in time. And when you're feeling nostalgic, nothing can make you happier than the feeling that comes with that. So turn up the volume and get happy.

There are plenty of ways you can make yourself happier, but the most important thing to remember is that it's not something that can be forced. You absolutely must go about this in a calm and consistent manner if you hope to achieve lasting happiness. And if you can learn to find happiness in today's imperfections, then there's no telling what tomorrow may bring.