Physical Habits That Improve Your Mood

Small changes can have big consequences. This is especially true for your physical routine. Small physical changes can do a lot for your emotional well-being. There are physical habits that improve your mood.

Look at it this way: good news and bad news both affect your mood differently, right? Likewise, physical changes and changes in your environment can affect your emotions.

There are ways to change your emotional well-being for the better and improve your mood. Various psychological research indicates that there are a number of habits that can help you with this.

Physical Habits That Improve Your Mood

1. An energetic attitude

The composition of our hormones changes according to our attitude. These hormones not only flow through our blood, but also affect our mood. Different hormones have different effects on our mind.

• For example, cortisol is responsible for regulating your stress level. When this hormone is activated, you experience more stress.
• Testosterone, on the other hand, is seen as the hormone that boosts your self-confidence. The more testosterone, the more confident you are.

Some studies conducted by Amy Cuddy show that certain postures have different effects.

For example, when you adopt a posture that radiates power, the testosterone level in your body goes up and the cortisol level goes down. This ensures that you are confident enough to achieve the goals you set for yourself that day.

2. Physical contact

Did you know that oxytocin is also known as the love hormone? Well, this hormone also affects your emotional state of mind. When the oxytocin level in your body is higher, you will be more relaxed and calm.

• This hormone ensures that you are less sensitive to negative emotions and factors that drain your energy in your environment.

• Oxytocin is released much faster when there is physical contact with another person,  for example by means of a hug, a handshake, a pat on the back and of course orgasms.
• To a lesser extent, touching smooth and warm objects can also cause your body to release this hormone.

3. Laugh

The muscles in your face have a very important effect on your emotions,  especially because these muscles can determine which hormones your body will release.

For example, by getting yourself in the habit of smiling constantly, you will see that your mood will change for the better.

• When you smile, your brain starts to see things from a more positive perspective. This allows you to approach life from a more positive attitude.

• When you frown, basically the same thing happens, but in a negative way,  so that you are unable to see how nice something really is, for example.

4. Keep moving

Have you ever thought about getting a little more exercise? When you think about these things, are you telling yourself that you don’t have enough time for this at all?

We often say that we don’t have enough time to go to the gym, take a walk around the neighborhood, or even do a little exercise at home.

The best way to get yourself to exercise regularly is to change the idea that exercise is boring.

You can choose from a variety of options, so there should be one form of exercise that you enjoy.

• It is wise to get rid of things that you could use as an excuse for not exercising. This allows you to get your brain ready to move.
• If you’re allowed to wear whatever you want for work, for example, try wearing sneakers to get you in the mood for exercise.

5. Take care of your skin

Your skin reflects what is happening inside and outside you. There are plenty of skin problems that are caused by stress. These are skin problems such as acne, eczema and psoriasis.

• It is therefore important to develop a daily facial cleansing routine. Not only will this make your skin look better, but it will also make you feel better.
• Taking care of your skin will make you feel better. This is because you know that you are doing something that is good for your well-being and this has a positive influence on your mood.

6. Sing

Who says you have to have a beautiful voice to sing? All you really need is the urge to throw out a nice tune.

If you’re ashamed to sing in front of others, then of course you don’t have to. For example, sing in the shower or just when you feel like it.

• Singing will help improve your mood. It causes the release of serotonin and tryptophan. These are both hormones that can affect your mood.
• In addition, it has been shown that singing can bring about even more beneficial effects, including increased self-confidence, better memory and relief of certain aches and pains.

7. Eat Better

You have probably heard of the expression ‘you are what you eat’. It is a well-known fact that people who eat healthier are less likely to suffer from health problems. This includes mental and emotional health problems, such as:

• depression
• fear
• mood swings
• hyperactivity

That is why it is wise to watch what you eat. This does not have to mean that you can only eat boring things. Today there are several delicious and healthy foods that you can try.

8. Take care of your appearance

If you let your looks go down, your mood will probably go with it. It is important to take into account the image you have of yourself and the image you want to project.

• Therefore, take a little time to take care of your appearance. This is one of the best physical habits that can help you stay in a good mood.
• Remember that your appearance is the way you present yourself to the world. That’s why it’s important to reflect on the person you are.

When you face life’s challenges with a smile and a positive attitude, everything will go a lot better. You have the capacity within you to face certain things in a better way.

Use these physical habits to support your brain. By doing this, you will be better able to counteract negative thoughts.

Leave your bad mood behind. Focus on your body and changing your mood.