As women, we lead hectic lives. Juggling work and family leaves us with little time for ourselves. Stress, anxiety, illness, and depression all contribute to a chaotic life. There are days when life's challenges can weigh heavily on our spirits, leaving us feeling drained and low. Yet, it's during these times that the ability to uplift ourselves becomes essential. So how do you rid your life of the obstacles to your happiness and change it for the better?

Here are five ways to lift your spirits instantly, creating a ripple effect of positivity in your life. 

1. Stretch it, Move it!

When you get up in the morning, gentle stretching can help you release tension and relax. It also increases blood circulation, improves flexibility, and reduces muscle and joint pain. When done daily, you may be astonished by the results. Try stretching your muscles to incorporate their full range of motion. Do shoulder shrugs, neck rolls, wrist and ankle circles, forward/back movements, etc. 

Physical activity, like a quick walk, dance session, or a few minutes of stretching, can instantly boost your mood. Exercise releases endorphins, often known as 'feel-good hormones,' which help lift your spirits and energize your body. After a few weeks of daily routine, you will notice you are much more limber and move about easier.

2. Daily Meditation

Meditation improves mood, deepens sleep, and develops a sense of inner peace and calm. It can reduce stress levels, decrease cortisol, and contribute to an increase in immunity and relaxation. When you're feeling down, turn to the simple yet powerful practice of deep breathing. Sit comfortably, close your eyes, and take a deep breath, hold it for a moment, then exhale slowly. This process helps calm your mind, reduce stress, and instill tranquility.

It can reduce high blood pressure and even aid concentration. With so many benefits for just a few minutes a day, this is one self-care ritual you don’t want to miss out on. Try just 2 to 3 minutes per session initially and gradually build up over time.

Focusing on what's going right in your life rather than dwelling on the negatives can significantly impact your mood. Take a moment to jot down or mentally note three things you're grateful for. This simple act can shift your mindset towards positivity.

3. Smile More

Smiling releases neurotransmitters called endorphins. Endorphins make you feel happier. Even if you don’t feel like it, science has discovered that if you turn up the corners of your mouth into a smile shape, you start to feel happier! The brain doesn’t know how to differentiate between fake and genuine smiles. It reads the positioning of the facial muscles and acts accordingly. How cool is that? Practice smiling at others and notice the responses you get. A simple smile can help you and make others feel better too. Everybody wins!

4. Music and Aroma

Music is a universal spirit-lifter. Whether it's an upbeat track that gets you dancing or a soothing melody that calms your mind, music can trigger the release of dopamine in the brain, a feel-good neurotransmitter that helps elevate your mood. You will soon find anxiety and stress disappearing. 

Rejuvenate your spirit with a selection of aromatherapy essential oils. Before retiring to bed or first thing in the morning, use scented oils and aromatherapy in a diffuser. Or your preferred method of air freshener. Aromatic candles can also do the trick. For safety’s sake, extinguish the flame before you turn in for the night. Lavender, Jasmine, Rose, and Neroli Bergamot are scents that smell divine! You'll feel like the world's weight has been lifted from your shoulders by the following morning!

5. Stay Hydrated

The jury is out on exactly how many glasses of water you should drink in a day. But, if you aim for eight, you will avoid dehydration and keep your skin soft, smooth, and supple. Drinking this much water can help you stave off hunger pangs too. Feeling hungry is a sign that you are, in fact, dehydrated. Next time your tummy tells you to eat, drink a glass of water first, and see how you feel. Chances are you won’t need to reach for the cookie jar!

▶ Subscribe to our channel

#health #positivity #wellness #rituals #relaxation