Everyone has their good and bad days. However, if you’re finding yourself feeling down in the dumps more regularly than usual, it might be time to investigate various instant mood boosters to help you live life to the fullest once again. From taking a breather and playing online casino games to simply adding a few squares of dark chocolate to your diet every day, here’s a round-up of five mood-enhancing things you can try the next time you need an emotional “lift.”
1. Eat mood-boosting foods
While your “bad” mood can be influenced by many factors including lack of sleep, increased stress at work or financial worries, it’s possible to inject some much-needed positivity into your day simply by paying more attention to your diet (and not forgetting to drink enough water.) Many types of food have the power to boost your mood and some can actually improve your overall brain functioning and memory, too.
For instance, the majority of mental health experts believe that eating oily fish, such as salmon, mackerel or tuna, can help to lift one’s spirits. It’s rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which supply your brain with much-needed nutrients for optimal day-to-day functioning, putting it in the best possible shape for helping you face mental-health challenges.
Chocoholics, meanwhile, will be thrilled to discover that dark chocolate is another mood-boosting food – although, as with most things in life, moderation is key! It’s chock-full of flavonoids, theobromine and N-acylethanolamine, and if nothing else, it tastes incredible, which is certain to help you feel better… even if only momentarily!
Finally, aim to nibble on a ripe and ready banana at least once a day. Bananas are rich in vitamin B6, known to support your brain and body in making the most of your hormones dopamine and serotonin. They’re also high in fiber and “healthy” sugars which help keep your blood sugar stable so you feel fuller for longer and keep your digestive system regular. All great news considering how there’s nothing quite like a grumbling stomach to turn a smile upside down!
2. Do something just for you
It’s understandable that someone would feel a little blue when they’ve got a list of responsibilities as long as their arm. It’s true that most of us spend a massive chunk of our time doing things for other people – whether it be for our boss or colleagues, our partners, friends, parents or children. Often, this leaves minimal time to invest in ourselves, our interests, and self-care in general.
With this in mind, be sure to set aside at least half an hour every day to do something especially for you. Put your feet up and sip on a steaming mug of hot chocolate with your favorite music on in the background, read a chapter of a great book with a face mask on, doing “its thing,” or simply sit on the sofa with your pet on your lap and breathe deeply!
It’s also worthwhile to look into the power of meditation, especially on those days where you really only have a minute or two to spare. You’ll find a wealth of resources online, including free apps to guide your practice. A few minutes of dedicated meditative “me time” can make a world of difference to your overall mood and resilience in the face of all that life can throw your way.
3. Get moving and try something new
By now, everybody knows that exercise is a crucial part of a healthy, well-balanced lifestyle. It releases endorphins, keeps you looking and feeling fit, and often encourages you to get outside and into the sunshine for a decent dose of fresh air and vitamin D. Strive to squeeze at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise into your schedule each week, no matter the weather, and you’re bound to feel lighter and brighter in no time.
If you’ve been following an exercise regime for a while now, don’t forget to mix it up from time to time – it will keep things interesting and could ensure you work other muscle groups. There’s evidence to suggest that trying something new can significantly boost your mood, especially if it involves getting more active. Perhaps now’s your chance to try your hand at rock climbing, Pilates, Zumba or simply throwing a frisbee around with friends or family in the park before dinner.
4. Let your smile loose
There’s research to show that simply putting a smile on your face can positively contribute to your mood – and the effect is instantaneous, even if the smile isn’t as genuine as you’d like it to be. The phrase “fake it ‘til you make it” definitely applies here! Scientists claim this is because the basic movement of the facial muscles that are required to produce a smile can quickly “trick” your brain into believing that you’re feeling happy, thus releasing “happy hormones” into your bloodstream.
However, if the act of forcing a smile just isn’t getting the job done, seek out some ways to trigger a real smile. Do a good deed and help someone in need, switch on your favorite comedy series for a hearty chuckle or set up a coffee date with a close friend for a cheerful catch-up. It will do you a world of good.
5. Give online gaming a go
New research has revealed that there are mental health benefits associated with online gaming when it’s enjoyed in moderation and approached with a strict bankroll in mind. After all, playing certain types of games, such as online slots or casino table games, can be great fun and offer some time for relaxation. Some people who play casino games involving a level of skill, like online poker, insist that it provides a strong sense of mental stimulation in the form of strategizing, analysis and using logic to make decisions.
Other types of online games – especially multiplayer types – come with specific objectives, providing gamers with a feeling of accomplishment when they manage to reach these objectives, automatically raising their spirits. There’s also evidence to suggest that playing live online casino games is great for improving social interaction – known to be an instant mood booster, particularly in individuals who tend to withdraw from in-person engagements.
Play online casino games at BetMGM
We hope we’ve given you a few pointers for picking you up when you need it. And, while you’re exploring the best mood boosters, why not give online gaming a try? BetMGM’s a wonderful place to start. Here, you can explore a diverse array of online casino games, including variety games and slot games, as well as an exciting world of live dealer gaming and online sports betting.
Register via our convenient mobile portal to discover what’s in store.
