mood

Optimism Works ~ Optimism Protects Against Anxiety & Depression

by

Optimism is Good Medicine

Optimism affects how people react to stressful life events. Specifically, people who are more optimistic are at less risk for anxiety and depression after something stressful happens to them. Apparently, the kind of optimism that reduces the risk of depression is different than the kind that protects against anxiety. Specifically, having positive expectations for the future is what counteracts depression while a having a sense of being invulnerable is what lowers anxiety.

Source

Today’s Health Tip ~ Should You Nap?

by

An Afternoon Nap’s Benefits

Napping isn’t just for babies. Studies show that an afternoon nap is great for adults, too. There’s no need to feel lazy for indulging in daytime sleep. A short nap in the mid-afternoon can boost memory, improve job performance, lift your mood, make you more alert, and ease stress. Cozy up to these nap benefits. . . . nap as short as 10 minutes can be beneficial, but keep your nap to 30 minutes or less so you don’t wake up feeling more tired.

    1. It can improve your memory – Studies have shown that sleep plays an important role in storing memories. A nap can help you remember things learned earlier in the day as much as a full night’s sleep. Napping works to keep you from forgetting things like motor skills, sense perception, and verbal recall, too.
    2. It may help in connecting the dots – Not only can napping help you remember things you’ve just learned, but it could help your brain draw connections between things you find out. In one study, nappers found it easier to put together information they got earlier in the day.
    3. It may lift your mood – If you’re feeling down, try taking a nap to lift your spirits. Napping, or even just resting for an hour without falling asleep, can brighten your outlook. Experts say relaxation that comes from lying down and resting is a mood booster, whether you fall asleep or not.

Source

Today’s Health Tip ~ Music and Health, They’re a Good Team

by

Music is a fundamental attribute of the human species. Virtually all cultures, from the most primitive to the most advanced, make music. It’s been true through history, and it’s true throughout an individual’s lifespan. In tune or not, we humans sing and hum; in time or not, we clap and sway; in step or not, we dance and bounce.

The human brain and nervous system are hard-wired to distinguish music from noise and to respond to rhythm and repetition, tones, and tunes. Is this a biologic accident, or does it serve a purpose? It’s not possible to say. Still, a varied group of studies suggests that music may enhance human health and performance.

In every era of human history and in every society around the globe, music has allowed people to express their feelings and communicate with others. More than simply expressing emotions, music can alter them; as British dramatist William Congreve put it in 1697, “Music has charms to soothe a savage breast.” Few things are more stressful than illness and surgery. Can music reduce stress in these difficult circumstances? Several trials show it can.

Soothing jangled nerves is one thing; raising sagging spirits, another. Bright, cheerful music can make people of all ages feel happy, energetic, and alert, and music may even has a role in lifting the mood of people with depressive illnesses. Bach may never replace Prozac, but when it comes to depression, even a little help strikes a welcome chord.

Source

Today’s Health Tip ~ Foods That Will Boost Your Mood

by

Are there any healthy foods that can improve mood?

Recently, research on the relationship between nutrition and mental health has been emerging. Yet, it’s important to note that mood can be influenced by many factors, such as stress, environment, poor sleep, genetics, mood disorders, and nutritional deficiencies. Certain foods have been shown to improve overall brain health and certain types of mood disorders.

Here are 9 healthy foods that may boost your mood.

  1. Fatty fish like salmon
  2. Dark chocolate
  3. Fermented foods
  4. Bananas
  5. Oats
  6. Berries
  7. Nuts and seeds
  8. Coffee
  9. Beans and lentils

Source

Today’s Health Tip ~ Good Food & Good Mood Go Together

by

Foods You Eat Can Bolster Your Mood

The best meal to enhance your mood is one that combines complex carbohydrates with lean proteins and colorful produce. For example, complex carbohydrates from whole foods (like sweet potatoes, rolled oats, beans and quinoa) can increase availability of the feel-good chemical serotonin in your brain. Protein consumption (from foods like fish, beef, chicken, turkey, tofu, beans, eggs and unsweetened yogurt) has been linked tohigher levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, which are brain chemicals that play a role in your mood, motivation and concentration.

Source

Today’s Health Tip ~ Your Diet Affects Your Mood

by

Choose Your Foods Wisely

Your diet – whether predominantly plant-based with healthy greens, nuts and other lean proteins (good), or laden with saturated fat, processed foods and sugars (not so good) – can impact mood and anxiety levels. So, too, can other things we put in our body to get by in the moment, from tobacco and alcohol to recreational drugs. Better to avoid the feel-good momentary fixes, Klitzman says, and spare yourself the crash later.

Source

Today’s Health Tip ~ Foods to Improve the Mood

by

No, you’re not imagining it: feeling ‘hangry’ – or hungry-angry – is a real thing. This is because, unlike other organs, your brain relies on a drip-drip-drip supply of glucose throughout the day to stay properly fuelled so, if you don’t eat regularly or you skip meals, you won’t feel your best. As well as eating regularly, drop your fear of fat. The brain is made up around 50 per cent fat, and our cells need good quality fats to maintain their structure so consider good fats those found in olive oil, nuts, seeds, and avocados.

Source

Today’s Health Tip ~ Green It Up

by

Get your Green Vitamin

It’s official: surrounding yourself with green views has a powerful effect on health and wellbeing, reducing psychological stress and boosting energy, self-esteem, and mood. As well as regularly getting out in nature, position the chairs in your house so you naturally gaze out of the windows, fill your home with indoor plants, and set your computer screensaver to your favorite landscape.

Source

Verified by MonsterInsights