How I Boost My Mood - Naturally!

By Savannah White

There’s pills and potions out there that promise miraculous “mood boosting” remedies from helping you wake up to keeping your energy high.

But, these so-called remedies don’t work, at least not without unwanted side-effects.

What are some ways to “boost your mood,” naturally? I have found there is ONE thing I can do easily that gives me an extra boost of energy and clears my head. Every. Single. Time. And, this solution is very simple.

Sunlight

Spending time outside and in the sun is underrated. If I want to have a productive day, or if I am feeling a bit groggy, the first thing I like to do upon waking, is to go outside...and sit in the sunlight. Just like making your bed in the morning makes your entire day more productive, so does heading outside for your mood and wakefulness.

Load Up on the Vitamin D

While many warn of the negative consequences of too much UVA exposure, that isn't the only area at risk. Did you that more people (3.3 billion, actually) suffer from the exact opposite - very low levels of UVR exposure and vitamin D deficiencies. This can lead to musculoskeletal systems issues and various autoimmune diseases and other life-threatening issues.

Note: I am not advocating for you to throw caution to the wind and get a sunburn. Please, slap on some sun-screen if you are going to be in the sun for more than thirty minutes or in the middle of the day when the UVR exposure is the highest.

Sunlight boosts your mood by boosting your body's Vitamin D supply. Vitamin D helps regulate the calcium and phosphate levels in the body (i.e. helps to keep bones, teeth and muscles healthy) and helps to reduced inflammation.

A Sunny Disposition

Researchers have found a correlation with decreased sun exposure and higher rates of mental illness. According to this same research sunlight had the greater impact on mood compared to any other environmental factor! Getting some sun has been linked to boosting levels of serotonin (aka the happy hormone) in the brain.

What I Do (Almost) Every Day...

I simply sit on a bench on my front porch for 15 to 30 minutes. Experts say that it only takes 5 - 15 minutes of direct sunlight a few times a week to begin to see a difference in mood. For me, I spend that time reading, journaling, or just sitting and allowing my thoughts to wander. I try not to bring my phone with me. It is nice to have the head space away from electronics.

Try to spend 5 - 15 minutes in the sun for 2 weeks. I promise you'll feel a difference!

Try it out for yourself, what are your thoughts? Do you notice a difference in your mood?