Natural Ways to Boost Mood and Energy
Using food as medicine to boost your mood and energy isn’t hard if you know what to eat, how much to eat, and when to eat it. When you’re in a good mood, it’s easier to tackle the stresses of life and stay productive even on your worst days. When you’re low on energy, even getting out of bed in the morning can seem like too much work. With these natural ways to boost mood and energy, you’ll feel better from the inside out, in just a few short days.
1. Avoid Processed Foods
Foods that are processed or refined in any way are low in nutrients. They’re also high in unhealthy fats, additives, preservatives, and sugars that leave you feeling tired, sick, and mentally foggy. If you’re in a rush or simply feeling lazy (the enemy of high energy), you might think fast food is your best option for a boost of energy. But if you’re looking for natural ways to boost mood and energy—and enhance your health in general—it’s best to avoid fast food altogether. Getting enough natural vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, enzymes, fatty acids (like omega-3s), protein sources (such as lentils), phytonutrients (such as those found in chia seeds), healthy carbs (like whole grains), or fiber is essential to overall health.
2. Drink Water
Dehydration, or not drinking enough water, can be a huge cause of fatigue. If you’re not well-hydrated, your brain won’t have as much energy for tasks like studying and working. Try carrying around a bottle of water with you; it will force you to drink more than usual. In addition, try adding sliced lemon, cucumber, or mint—or even all three!—to your glass. These flavors will help refresh your palate between drinks (and make plain H2O taste better). Drinking more water is also an easy way to boost mood by preventing dehydration that leads to headaches.
3. Eat Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are full of antioxidants, minerals, vitamins, and other nutrients that work together to nourish your body in a way no supplement can. Not only that but consuming healthy foods like fruits and veggies has been shown to make you feel happier! Fruit is also a great mood booster—it contains serotonin, which makes us feel happy.
Add berries to your breakfast or have an apple with lunch; each will give you a boost of serotonin and keep your energy levels up all day long.
4. Add Some Spices
There’s a good reason why we turn to curry, turmeric, basil, cumin, peppermint, and ginger when we need a pick-me-up—all of these spices contain natural mood boosters. According to research from Japan’s Osaka University School of Medicine, daily intake of curry powder—or just one meal including curry—can significantly boost levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a brain chemical linked with mood control.
5. Eat Mood-boosting Foods
The Right Food Can Help You Feel Happier, More Energetic, and Less Depressed: Enjoy a salad topped with protein-rich tuna or chicken breast, plus avocado for healthy fats. Carbs are fine too—go ahead and add some beans to your dish if you’re craving them. And don’t forget that leafy greens like spinach have more than just vitamins: They can also improve your mood by fighting against stress hormones like cortisol.
6. Connect with People
Human interaction can be hugely beneficial for our moods. If you’re feeling depressed, a sense of community might help. Find a club or an activity that gets you out of your comfort zone—both for personal growth and for an emotional lift. Volunteering is also a wonderful way to meet new people in addition to giving back to your community.
7. Move More
If you aren’t getting enough exercise, it can lead to depression. The research is pretty clear on that; people who don’t exercise often struggle with depression more than those who do. Exercise also stimulates serotonin production in your brain, which will boost your mood. It doesn’t have to be strenuous either – even simple activities like walking or yoga are beneficial. Here are some tips on what to eat before a workout and how to stay motivated.
Boost your mood naturally with these easy methods. Try one or all seven—you may be surprised at how quickly you notice an increase in energy levels!
