Going Up! 7 Pointers to Lift a Bad Mood
Posted by Dr. Maoshing Ni
on Mon, Aug 27, 2007, 10:16 pm PDT
Post a Comment
View all 56 Comments »

No one can live a long and healthy life without the will to go on;
sometimes mood swings can make us feel that life is too much for us.

A bad mood not only gives you a gloomy outlook, it also lowers your
immune function, leading the way to illness. Here are some suggestions
to lift your mood, your spirit, and your health.

1. A Laughing Matter
"Laugh Therapy," pioneered by Norman Cousins, has turned out to have
real substance. Research has discovered that laughter and joy boost
immune functions, especially the production of the natural killer
cells that help defend the body from illness and cancer.

Laughter also increases the release of endorphins - compounds that
give you a sense of well-being - in your brain. Without a doubt,
joyful people liver longer and healthier lives. So read your favorite
comics, watch your favorite comedies, and laugh it up!

2. Amino Acid for Restored Mindset
When an imbalance or deficiency is creating a bad mood, the Europeans
use supplements of a natural compound found in human cells to regulate
mood and restore a healthy mindset. SAMe (S-adenosyl-L-methionine) is
produced from methionine, an amino acid that plays a role in the
production of uplifting neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine.

One study indicated that SAMe worked on patients who had unsuccessful
results with conventional antidepressants. To get a boost from SAMe,
take a supplement combining it with vitamins B6 and B12.

3. Hands-On Healing
Human touch increases the production of endorphins, growth hormone,
and DHEA, all of which lengthen your life span and lower the negative
impact of stress. Studies have found that patients who are regularly
touched recover faster than those who are not touched. So give someone
a hug and feel both of your moods improve.

4. Boost Your "Youth Hormones"
You don't need pills to flood your body with a rejuvenating flood of
growth hormones. Research has found that doing squats and leg presses
will greatly increase your natural production of the "youth hormone".
Increased growth hormone translates to an elevated mood, among other
physical benefits. Keep it up with weight training, knee bends,
push-ups, and rowing.

5. Take a Bracing Breath
Breathing correctly is important for dispelling the toxins and wastes
from your body; in fact, it is estimated that we expel only about 30
percent of toxins in our bodies through the bowels and bladder-the
rest is all respiratory. Breathing is also a great way to clear your
mind, boost your energy, and improve your mood. Practice deep, slow,
rhythmic, breathing daily with mind-body disciplines such as tai chi,
yoga, qigong, and meditation.

6. Smell the Joy
Research has shown that smell has a definite impact on our bodies and
minds. When you stimulate the olfactory nerves inside your nose, you
activate the limbic system of your brain, which is associated with
moods and memory. This concept is instrumental to aromatherapy, a
natural health tradition that makes use of the healing powers of
plants with strong scents.

Aromatherapy recommends treating depression with jasmine, eucalyptus
for exhilaration, and grapefruit to increase alertness and joy. Just
put a dab of the essential oils from these plants on your temples,
back of your neck, or acupressure points. Another option? Boil the
herb in water and inhale the steam through your nose.

7. Feel Fine with Flowers
There is a reason that flowers are the traditional get-well gesture.
Colorful flowers have a powerful influence on moods; they can uplift a
patient's mood and even combat stress. One study found that during a
five-minute typing assignment, people sitting next to a flowering
bouquet were more relaxed than those who sat near foliage-only plants.

I hope these tips help the good feelings flow! I invite you to visit
often and share your own personal health and longevity tips with me.

May you live long, live strong, and live happy!