Living Well: Beat the blues: Four ways to improve your happy!

Beat the blues: Four ways to improve your happy!

We’ve all heard of the winter blues, but did you know the autumn blues are a thing too?

The colder, shorter autumn days can trigger seasonal changes in mood, resulting in lack of motivation, apathy, and fatigue.

We’ve compiled these tips to help maximize your happy as we head into the colder months:

Laugh more

Laughter releases hormones that reduce stress, low mood, and anxiety. It also acts as a natural painkiller! Next time you are feeling down, watch a funny movie or call a friend for some laughs. Laughter really is the best medicine.
Be grateful

Do you ever take a moment to reflect and appreciate what you have? Try slowing down once a day to identify something that you are grateful for. Maybe it’s beautiful weather, your family and friends, or something unexpected that happened. Whatever it is, sit in your gratitude for a moment and see your mood improve!
Find your community

When deciding who to spend your time with, think about how they make you feel. Do you laugh together and feel fulfilled? Or do you argue or feel drained after spending time together? Actively pursue and nurture relationships that make you feel good. It can be hard to step away from toxic or hurtful relationships, but building a strong, joyful community is worth it.
Exercise

Exercising increases your “happy hormones” – dopamine and serotonin – improving mood and reducing anxiety. Schedule 20-30 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity per day to instantly improve your mood.