9 Instant Mood Boosters

Chiara Chionna
4 min readFeb 25, 2022
Photo by Elena Koycheva on Unsplash
  1. Take A Relaxing Shower

What if I told you that taking a shower can improve your energy and your mood? There is evidence that bathing has a positive effect on mental health. A warm shower can reduce depression and anxiety symptoms, in fact, warmth relaxes your muscles and calms your mind. In contrast, cold showers are proven to boost the body’s energy and help to focus. Additionally, feeling clean and maintaining good personal hygiene can lift one’s self-confidence, making one feel better about themselves and their appearance. Taking care of yourself regularly will make you feel more proud.

2. Talk With Someone You Love

A conversation with a loved one can help you feel lighter; when you talk to someone, you feel more relaxed and able to approach your situation with more confidence. As soon as someone you love offers you his time, you feel understood, loved and appreciated, which makes you feel immediately happier. Support networks are essential to not feeling alone. Being able to rely on someone when you can’t handle a situation on your own, gives you the possibility to be vulnerable.

3. Breathe Deep

Various studies have shown that deep breathing helps to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, reduce headaches and slow the heartbeat. If you suffer from panic attacks or anxiety, focusing on your breathing can help you feel better and calm. To breathe deeply while walking outdoors, for example, is very important, it helps the body to detoxify as it breathes in fresh, clean air.

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4. Sniff A Lemon

Scientists claim that smelling lemons boost body image and improve self-esteem. Computer-Human Interaction Lab at the University of Sussex (SCHI) found that participants felt lighter and thinner after smelling lemons. Isn’t the human body amazing?

5. Dance

Everyone dances occasionally, who does it for a living, who enjoys going to dance clubs, and who simply dances alone in the house. There are many benefits to dancing, both physically and mentally. As a result of this exercise, you will have better balance and spatial awareness, you will gain physical confidence, and your mental function will improve. Generally, you feel healthier, more in touch with yourself, and your self-confidence and self-esteem boost. Last but not least, dancing improves your social skills.

6. Smile, Is Free

Study results show that children smile 400 times a day on average, compared with adults who only smile 20 times a day. What are the benefits of smiling? We benefit from smiling not only because it boosts our mood, but because it releases cortisol and endorphins which reduce blood pressure, increase endurance, reduce pain and stress, and strengthen our immune system. According to studies, smiling is associated with having a positive attitude, being polite, and appearing competent. Happy people tend to work harder and make more money.

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7. Get A Little Sunshine

Your body responds to sunlight by increasing and decreasing your melatonin levels, which is fundamental to regulating our circadian rhythm and having a better sleeping time. Vitamin D is also vital for strengthening your immune system, it has been proved that you can boost your immune system by exposing yourself to sunlight regularly. Sunshine is proven to improve mood. As a result of sun exposure, your body produces more serotonin, an essential chemical for improving mood and staying calm and focused.

8. Declutter

When it comes to reducing stress, decluttering your environment may be the best way to go. By getting rid of extra stuff, you can feel calmer, happier, and more in control. Tidier surroundings can promote a more relaxed mood. Making improvements to your living space can help you feel more relaxed and proud of yourself. Take it slow. You will be motivated to do more after seeing an organized space.

9. Hug

Researchers have found that hugs may reduce feelings of loneliness and harm caused by stress and may make an individual feel happy. A hug can produce these feel-good hormones and help to get rid of negative moods. Dopamine is the chemical that makes an individual feel good. Serotonin can improve moods, control anxiety, and decrease feelings of loneliness. Oxytocin also called the “love hormone” relieves stress and boosts heart health. A 10-second hug can keep your body healthy, ease depression, and reduce fatigue. The act of hugging creates trust and helps with open and honest communication. Being physically touched during a hug not only makes us feel safe but also boosts our self-esteem.

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