ACTIVELY BOOST YOUR MOOD

1. WALK

Find 10 minutes to get your blood flowing and you will reap both short term and long term mood benefits. Regular exercise has been proven to reduce stress and ward off anxiety and feelings of depression.

2. STRETCH

Take a few minutes to address the effect of hunching over a computer or standing on your feet all day. Stretching can help improve your circulation and flexibility, and may help ease the tight muscles that come with stress. Take it a step further and do some stress-relieving yoga poses.

3. BREATHE

How you are breathing affects your body. Practicing breathing deeply is a good way to relax and reduce tension.  Try this quick technique: Place both hands facing down on your knees. Inhale pressing your belly out forcefully and exhale drawing it back in with light force. Do this over and over for 27 breaths.

4. SMELL

Take a moment to smell the proverbial roses. Specifically, Vanilla and Jasmine have been found to uplift moods.

5. LISTEN

According to psychcentral.com, "Music has been used for hundreds of years to treat illnesses and restore harmony between mind and body."Music can be an effective mood boosting tool. One of my personal favorite Pandora stations for this purpose is called Heart Meditations Radio. Check it out next time you need a moment to refocus. 

  

AND IF ALL ELSE FAILS, THERE IS ALWAYS THIS: