Pump up the Volume
Have you ever listened to a song and have been transported back to the very first time you heard it? The right tune can spike endorphin levels, lessen pain and induce a natural high. Music therapy has the ability to encourage positive physiological behaviors which in turn can assist in managing and controlling emotional issues. Studies show that music therapy can help reduce stress, improve mood and cognitive functions, fine-tune language and social skills and promote emotional bonding. When enjoying your favorite tunes, allow the notes to wash over you, sing like you are on a TV show, dance like there is no tomorrow, get that heart pumping.
Follow your Nose
It is said that our sense of smell is the strongest of our five senses and is best able to influence brain activity. Inside your nose is a large nerve called the olfactory bulb that extends from the top of your nose and plugs directly into the areas of the brain that process emotion and learning. Essential oils from plants can reduce stress, promote relaxation and enhance cognitive function. They also have anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal properties so using them can keep some germs at bay. Try these scents;
Lemon – promotes concentration and has calming and clarifying properties that are helpful when you’re feeling angry, anxious, or run down. Lavender – has calming properties that help control emotional stress, soothe the nerves, and can relieve nervous tension and depression. Jasmine – is commonly used as an antidepressant because of its uplifting capabilities that produce a feeling of confidence, optimism, and revitalized energy. Rosemary – has stimulating properties that fight physical exhaustion, headaches, and mental fatigue.
Stay in Touch
Being around family and friends can help to boost your mood and motivate you to do the things you love. Ask a friend to meet up for coffee, catch a movie or have a hang session. It may surprise you to find out that the person you are meeting up with might need this interaction just as much as you do. Scientists say the ‘cuddle hormone, Oxytocin, rises when we hug, touch, or sit close to someone else, and just twenty seconds of affectionate touch triggers its release. Our sense of touch is the first sensory system to develop in the womb, it is our first language and one of the most powerful means of communication. The very act of embracing our loved ones can help us feel safe, connected, and accepted. With the pandemic still hanging around please practice safety while loving your loved ones.
Make it Visually Appealing
Creating an environment that can improve your mood may be simpler than you think by using color. Many people are drawn to colorful things because they invoke feelings of happiness, calmness, and inspiration. Red and violet can boost your adrenaline because they are bold and energizing. Green and yellow can help you feel happier because they are a reminiscence of nature, lush greenery, and sunshine. For a relaxing and calming effect, hues of blue can remind you of the sky and ocean. You can decorate your space with throw pillows, soft blankets, aromatic candles, or flowers in shades of these colors. It could also be fun to try a colorful scarf, lip/nail color, or a bright quirky hat.
Winter can be brutal but remember warmer days are around the corner. We at the Dismas Home of New Hampshire hope you will be able to boost your mood with one or more of these suggestions and for now, Stay warm!
Pump up the Volume
Have you ever listened to a song and transported back to the very first time you heard it? The right tune can spike endorphin levels, lessen pain and induce a natural high. Music therapy has the ability to encourage positive physiological behaviors which in turn can assist in managing and controlling emotional issues. Studies show that music therapy can help reduce stress, improve mood and cognitive functions, fine-tune language and social skills and promote emotional bonding. When enjoying your favorite tunes, allow the notes to wash over you, sing like you are on a TV show, dance like there is no tomorrow, get that heart pumping.
Follow Your Nose
It is said that our sense of smell is the strongest of our five senses and is best able to influence brain activity. Inside your nose is a large nerve called the olfactory bulb that extends from the top of your nose and plugs directly into the areas of the brain that process emotion and learning. Essential oils from plants can reduce stress, promote relaxation and enhance cognitive function. They also have anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal properties so using them can keep some germs at bay. Try these scents;
Lemon – promotes concentration and has calming and clarifying properties that are helpful when you’re feeling angry, anxious, or run down.
Lavender – has calming properties that help control emotional stress, soothe the nerves, and can relieve nervous tension and depression.
Jasmine – is commonly used as an antidepressant because of its uplifting capabilities that produce a feeling of confidence, optimism, and revitalized energy.
Rosemary – has stimulating properties that fight physical exhaustion, headaches, and mental fatigue.
Stay in Touch
Being around family and friends can help to boost your mood and motivate you to do the things you love. Ask a friend to meet up for coffee, catch a movie or have a hang session. It may surprise you to find out that the person you are meeting up with might need this interaction just as much as you do. Scientists say the ‘cuddle hormone, Oxytocin, rises when we hug, touch, or sit close to someone else and just twenty seconds of affectionate touch triggers its release. Our sense of touch is the first sensory system to develop in the womb, it is our first language and one of the most powerful means of communication. The very act of embracing our loved ones can help us feel safe, connected and accepted. With the pandemic still hanging around please practice safety while loving your loved ones.
Make it Visually Appealing
Creating an environment that can improve your mood may be simpler than you think by using color. Many people are drawn to colorful things because they invoke feelings of happiness, calmness, and inspiration. Red and violet can boost your adrenaline because they are bold and energizing. Green and yellow can help you feel happier because they are a reminiscence of nature, lush greenery, and sunshine. For a relaxing and calming effect, hues of blue can remind you of the sky and ocean. You can decorate your space with throw pillows, soft blankets, aromatic candles, or flowers in shades of these colors. It could also be fun to try a colorful scarf, lip/nail color, or a bright quirky hat.
Winter can be brutal but remember warmer days are around the corner. We at the Dismas Home of New Hampshire hope you will be able to boost your mood with one or more of these suggestions and for now, Stay warm!
