A Comprehensive Strategy for Boosting Your Mood in a Natural Manner
The art of healing comes from nature and not from the physician. Therefore, the physician must start from nature with an open mind. - Paracelsus.
With wellness revolutions on the rise, people are exploring more options for holistic and natural health remedies to relieve stress and elevate mood. When it comes to natural herbs, they provide many benefits such as natural healing, reduced risk for side effects, and inflammation in the body.
In this article, we are sharing some natural healing herbs that are in everyone’s reach and have proven to be effective for centuries at boosting your mood naturally.
Please consult medical advice before using any alternative medicine or herbal supplements. The data provided in this article is based on research and personal use only.
Saffron
A powerful anti-inflammatory antioxidant that boosts heart health. Saffron significantly reduces fasting blood sugar and diastolic blood pressure, as well as levels of total and LDL cholesterol. According to research, substances in saffron, such as crocin and safranal, improve symptoms of anxiety and depression by inhibiting the reuptake of mood-boosting neurotransmitters like dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin.
Furthermore, it helps to improve sleep. The researchers suggested that saffron may help improve sleep by increasing levels of the sleep-regulating hormone melatonin and acting on specific receptors in the brain to enhance sleep quality.
You can soak 7-8 stems of saffron in a glass of water at night and drink it in the morning.
Ginseng
Ginseng is the second natural herb on our list due to its anti-cancerous, neuroprotective, immune-supporting, and anti-diabetic properties. It has been used in Chinese medicine for centuries to support natural health, boost energy levels, and support brain and immune function.
If you are experiencing lethargy and fatigue, ginseng can be an excellent herb to add to your diet to improve your energy levels.
Ginseng is a plant root usually used in the form of tea, powder, and capsules. The most common type is Panax originated in Asia and America.
Vitamin D
Sun is the best source of energy, and exposure to sunlight elevates mood and enhances the feeling of calmness and joy. However, try a vitamin D supplement if you can’t get enough sunshine. Often, a deficiency of vitamin D can result in fatigue, low mood (depression), and loss of appetite. Enough vitamin D intake through sunlight, nutrition, or supplements can enhance your mood and quality of life.
Every morning, try to sit in the direct sunlight before you go on about your day; you can notice the difference within the first few days and how it positively impacts your mood.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha has been used for centuries for elevating mood and improving sleep quality. Ashwagandha has the ability to soothe the nervous system and restore balance and calmness. Unlike sleeping pills, it doesn’t make you feel groggy.
Furthermore, it reduces the cortisol level in the body, which helps with reducing stress and anxiety.
Fish Oil
Fish oil/ omega 3 is a source of anti-inflammatory, vasodilating, anti-arrhythmic, and antioxidant properties. It also supports a healthy brain and a cheerful mood by increasing the serotonin level in the brain.
This, in turn, impacts mood and quality of life. Omega-3 fatty acids are particularly effective at reducing feelings of sadness and pessimism, lethargy, sleeplessness, and low libido that sometimes come with feeling blue.
Walk
Walking is a natural de-stresser. Whether you walk for 30 minutes to relieve stress or take a leisurely stroll, it helps lower the cortisol (stress hormone) in the body, which results in an elevated mood.
You can include walking in your routine as a part of your wellness regimen. According to research, it is an effective way to reduce hypertension and stress and improve cardiovascular health.
Meditate
Checking in with yourself is always a good idea. However, checking in with yourself with a purpose is an even better idea. Take 10 to 15 minutes every day to connect with yourself through meditation. If you find it difficult to concentrate or sit still, try starting with a 5-minute practice twice daily. Close your eyes and focus on your breathing with the intention of relieving stress.
Here is a link to 3 Simple Steps Meditation.
Nutrition
Food plays an essential part when it comes to your mood. Choose nutritious foods that support your overall wellbeing. Particularly, leafy greens and plant-based fats such as olive oil, avocados, nuts, and berries, which help fight stress and anxiety.
Avoid processed foods, gluten, and deep-fried food. They increase inflammation and risk of diseases in the body.
Remember that everyone feels down from time to time, but it doesn’t have to be a permanent lifestyle. It’s only you who has the power to change the way you feel with your intention and effort. Whether you choose to use herbs or supplements or include some activities in your routine that help you relieve stress, it is your responsibility to get out of this funk and appreciate and live the good life.
If you are a HerMeNow participant or alumni, book your free coaching session now through the HerMeNow website https://www.hermenow.com/wellness.
Anam Anjum
Wellness Consultant
+971 52 629 9656