A Little Holiday Boost

When our spirits are a bit off, (which can happen more often in the holiday haze and daze of December) we don’t need to always think of big or expensive things to help us get through it. 
Instead, give your spirits a lift with any of the following mood and energy boosting tricks.

Stand up and stretch for the sky or as high as you can.  This simple act prompts a boost in circulation and delivers oxygen and energy-rich blood to your cells. For extra umph, smile as you hold the upward stretch and you will trigger the release of feel-good brain chemicals.

Take a mental vacation.  Close your eyes and journey to a vacation spot you love or have always dreamed about.  Focus on the sights, smells and tastes of your chosen escape. Imagine the
sand between your toes, or the crisp mountain air on your face or the smell of a freshly baked loaf of bread bought at a local marketplace.  Go ahead and get away now.

Snack smartly on a few healthy carbs to boost your level of serotonin, a calming brain chemical. According to research, it only takes about 30 grams of carbohydrate to get the lift.  Treat yourself to 4 cups of air-popped  popcorn or ½ of an English muffin with jam.  Say goodbye to that black or grey shirt and say hello to one in a bold color. According to Jennifer Baumgartner, psychologist and author of You Are What You Wear, bright shades of red, pink or yellow are best for stimulating
your brain. Go put something bright on next time you need a mood boost.

Try acupressure.  Grab the skin between your thumb and first finger with the thumb and first finger of your other hand.  Gently massage in circles for a minute, then repeat on the other hand.
This helps relieve tension in your body and can ease stress from a bad mood.

Forget about a “to-do” list and create an “it’s done” list for the day or the week.  You’ll get a sense of achievement knowing you’ve accomplished the things on your list.

o next time you need to lift your spirits, try one of the tricks
and you will treat yourself to a little boost, especially during the
  Holidays.