Our mood is influenced by several factors from our internal and external world. As our internal and external states are always changing, our mood can fluctuate by the day, the hour or even by the minute!
Many of us tend to underestimate the influence we have over our mood.
Our diet, sleep patterns, physical activity, and how we think has measurable impacts to how we’re feeling.
Have you noticed that what you eat has an impact on your mood? Eating more nutrient dense foods (versus processed foods) are linked to lower rates of depression. Adequate sleep help regulate emotions and help us feel more calm and relaxed. Exercise improves confidence, happiness and reduces stress.
This means we have the power to influence our mood by the big and small choices we make each day.
Of course, there are many factors beyond our control that impact mood too - from traffic, weather events, hormonal changes, interpersonal conflicts and injury. Additionally, experiencing loss or other major life changes can also have a significant impact on our mood. While we may not be able to control these external situations from happening, we can develop effective coping strategies that help foster a more resilient mind in the face of challenging circumstances.
Here are some things you can do to support a more positive mood state:
