January isnāt the easiest month under normal circumstances. In most parts of the country, itās cold, the days are shorter, and by mid-January the luster of New Yearās resolutions has worn off. Of course, these arenāt normal circumstances at all. Weāve emerged from 2020 into a new year that doesnāt look all that different from the last one. Ā But weāre committed to staying as positive as we can, and are looking towards the future when things are finally closer to normal. In the meantime, we scoured the research and picked 9 easy ways to feel betterātoday.
Get Outside into the Morning Light
Dutch researchers found that blue or white light (similar to morning light) helped ease depression in test subjects. If your job or quarantine makes getting enough morning light difficult, you might want to tryĀ light therapy. Essentially, you sit in front of a lamp that mimics sunlight and it boosts your moodāgreat for anyone suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder.
Take a Stroll On a Tree Lined Street
Having access to walks on tree lined streets was found to reduce the need for antidepressants in city dwellers,Ā according to German researchers. So if youāre taking the dog out or running an errand, take the route with the most greenery.
Pep Up with Peppermint
Dab on some peppermint oil or drink some peppermint tea and you could actuallyĀ feelĀ peppier. In a recentĀ study published in Scientia Pharmaceutia, study authors found that peppermint, as well as orange and other uplifting scents, improved participantsā moods quickly.
Swipe On Some Lipstick
Got a Zoom call? Take a few extra seconds and do your favorite red lip or apply a rosy gloss. Harvard researchers found that women who wore color on their lips not only felt happier, but also smarterāand even did better academically. Maybe Elle Woods was on to something?
Have a Spontaneous Dance Party
Swedish researchers found thatĀ dancing helped reduce depression and improve mood. Make a little dance party a daily pre-school or post-bath time tradition, and get your whole family some exerciseāand endorphins.
Organize Something
Cleaning off your desk, organizing a junk drawer or even clearing off your computer desktop can help you feel in control, and as a result, happier, according to a study inĀ Personality and Social Psychology.
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Hug It Out
Studies show that oxytocin ā aka the happy hormone ā isĀ boosted by hugging, and can even lower blood pressure. Twenty second hugs had the greatest effect, so grab your kids, partner, or even dog and cuddle up.
Turn Up the Tunes
Musicāparticularly upbeat musicāhas been shown to instantly make people happier. Researchers from the University of Missouri said the effects were immediate but could last weeks.
Help Someone Else
The research on volunteering your time or money, or giving money to someone in need, is clearādoing for others will give you the gift of a mood boost.