To say a time like this is difficult for many people all over the world may be a bit of an understatement. It may seem like an up-hill battle to stay in a good mental space, but now more than ever it’s important to keep your spirits up. Your health depends on it! Here are a few easy ways to incorporate into your life to keep your mood up during a time like this:
1. Spend time with family and friends
Research studies prove those who are able to spend regular time with family and friends cope with stress better than those who don’t. Time with family and friends can provide you with love, support, and a framework of values to each of its members. Family members teach each other, serve one another and share a wide range of joyful and sorrowful emotions.
2. Take part in exercise
Exercising releases feel good chemicals in your body known as dopamine and endorphins. Exercising can also flush out chemicals that make you feel stressed and anxious. Next time you feel like you’re in a low place, let off some steam by exercising.
3. Journal
A journal helps keep your thoughts and feelings organized. It makes your internal world more apprehensible. It gives you an opportunity to self-reflect. A research study conducted in 2011 showed the positive impact journaling had on adolescents who struggled with worry and self-doubt before taking examinations.
4. Practice gratitude
Practicing gratitude can be in the form of prayer, expressing thanks for friends and family, and even being appreciative for the food on your plate. In psychology research, gratitude is strongly linked to greater happiness because gratitude increases the surge of positive emotions, helps build stronger relationships, improved health, and cope with adversity.
