3 Quick Wins to Feel Good Now

I don't know about you but this cold snap, although cosy when wrapped up warm, can also stifle energy and mojo. With that in mind, here's three things guaranteed to add a bit of oomph to your day.

1. Drink more water. When it's cold it's much easier to reach for a hot drink, hot sugary drinks for that - think hot chocolate with a Bailey's thrown in for good measure. Yeah it's all nice and that, however it is not the right type of hydration to keep our mood bright and breezy. Research shows us that not drinking enough water can impede our brain's serotonin production.
"Dehydration impedes your brain’s serotonin production. Depression is frequently related to subpar levels of serotonin, which is a critical neurotransmitter that heavily affects your mood. Serotonin is created from the amino acid tryptophan, but sufficient water is needed." Read more here.




2. Eat a banana. When feeling blue many people report feeling better after eating a banana. Bananas contain the amino acid tryptophan that the body converts to serotonin which is known to induce relaxation, and generally make us feel happier as it lifts our mood. The body needs other nutrients to properly make and use serotonin, including vitamin B6 known to even out mood and relieve symptoms of PMS, and bananas are an especially rich source of this vitamin. 


3. Breathe deeply with intention. There's plenty of scientific evidence that learning to breath fully can enhance mood, improve energy levels and calm anxiety. Deep breathing stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, which guides the body from stress to relaxation. When we're relaxed, our heart rates and blood pressure lower, we sweat less and digestion improves. As you exhale, your heart rate slows. Repeated deep breaths will naturally bring your heart rate more in sync with your breath. This leads your brain to release endorphins, which are chemicals that have a natural calming effect. Here's a lovely short practice on abdominal breathing and square breathing to quieten the mind and calm the body.

 

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