10 things you can do to boost your mood everyday

The human brain has in excess of 50,000 thoughts every day, but over 80% will be negative. This is because the primary function of the brain is survival and not happiness and fulfilment. However, anyone can change this and create thoughts and have a brighter outlook on life.

How do you boost your mood if you're feeling low, lacking energy and have lost interest in doing things?

It starts with awareness, but you have to act on it.

Follow these 10 small easy changes to your daily routine and you will feel healthier, happier and more energised.

Morning glory

You need to own the first 20 minutes. If you don't own the first 20 minutes, you'll be fighting an uphill battle and the day will often own you. No successful person ever said they don't have 20 minutes spare in the morning. Use this time to fit in some press-ups, a quick jog, a dog walk, fix some lunch for work, catch up on some TV, or do some mindfulness.

Water

Always drink a glass of water at room temperature first thing. This will energise you, support weight loss, improve cognitive function and improve your sleep. By drinking it at room temperature it will be absorbed more quickly and helps to rehydrate your body more quickly. Drink between 2-3 litres of water per day.

Stairs

Why do you use the lift? OK, some people may not be physically able to use the stairs, but for most people, we have no excuse. If you don't have time for a workout, whether you're at home, at work, or at the shopping mall, use the stairs. Climbing the stairs for 2 minutes per day is equivalent to jogging for 10 minutes per day!! So, this is one of the best ways to get fitter, and you will boost those happy chemicals in your brain.

Bananas

Have you ever seen a depressed chimp? Did you know that eating a banana can help produce the same happy chemical in your head as a pill? Also, they give you a steady supply of energy, so add it to your cereal, or have one as a mid-morning snack to fill you up.

Daylight

As soon as you can, get outside in the garden, or take a 5-minute walk. We all need Vitamin D. When you do this, pay attention to the sounds, feel the wind on your skin and in your hair. Even if it's raining, feel the sensation. When was the last time you really paid attention to this? I like making shapes out of the clouds - try it, it's fun.

Breakfast

Always eat breakfast - your body is like a car - you need to give it fuel to get it started. If you don't get your body started in the morning, it will be demanding coffee or snacks and by lunchtime you'll probably have a headache, be grumpy and less productive. Stay away from sugary cereals and choose ones high in fibre, such as porridge and add your banana and some seeds too.

Movement

You don't have to go to the gym to get fit. There are many ways you can incorporate exercise into your daily routine. You will be doing this without even realising most of the time, such as using the stairs as I mentioned above. Try walking the kids to school, or getting off the bus a stop earlier. Gardening and housework also amount to exercise. However, you need to get your heart rate up to a brisk walking pace in order for it to have a benefit, so my advice would be to do it to music. Play some fast tunes and you'll work harder!

Gratitude

Take 5 minutes to focus on what you are grateful for and write it down. What makes you happy? Who do you love? What are you looking forward to?

Be kind to someone

Do something nice for someone else. This could be anything from helping an elderly neighbour with their shopping to helping a colleague out with a task at work that they are struggling with. This will make you feel good straight away and lift your mood.

Evening reflection

People who self-reflect have advantages in nearly all areas of their life. They handle emotions better, are more disciplined and have better focus, are better planners and make more deliberate decisions. So, each evening sit down and write down three things that you have enjoyed, felt was a good job well done, or helped you feel close to someone else.

Hopefully, some of you are smiling now and ready to give these tips a try. 

If you would like further help with boosting your mood and making the most out of your life, you may want to speak to an expert. Search our Life Coach Directory to find a professional life coach near you.