Everyone feels down and needs a boost from time-to-time. But, if you find your low points are getting the better of you all too often then take note, we have found some solutions.
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Essential oils get in to your blood stream quickly and can be massaged into your skin, added to a bath, inhaled or vaporised in an insense burner (one caveat, if you are pregnant you must check with your midwife what is safe for you to use). Ylang Ylang is used in aromatherapy to relax both mind and body and even as an anti-depressant. Try Neal’s Yard Remedies Ylang Ylang Organic, £7.45 for 10ml. Chamomile doesn’t just aid sleep (although lack of sleep could well be contributing to your poor mood), but it can also help to soothe anxiety. Try Neal’s Yard Remedies Chamomile Blue Organic, £20.30 for 10ml. Another favourite of the Aromatherapist is Rosemary; it’s uplifting and gives you an energy boost. Try Neal’s Yard Remedies Rosemary Organic, £8.15 for 20ml. (nealsyardremedies.com)
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It’s not just the massage and muscle manipulation that makes a treatment so relaxing. It’s proven that it’s the touch of a fellow human being which is the real reason why we enjoy an appointment at the spa so much. The University of North Carolina has shown that human touch encourages the brain to release endorphins like serotonin which reduces blood pressure, calms your heart rate and, essentially, makes you feel good. Try the ESPA De-Stresser Essential Massage, from £46 for 50 mins. It uses essential oils blended to lift your mood and massage strokes to relieve tension from your back, neck and shoulders. Heavenly. (espaonline.com)
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All of us feel better after a spell outdoors – our spirits are lifted and we even feel more optimistic. We feel like this because sunlight (even on a cloudy day) boosts our serotonin levels. Not only that, sunlight boosts our levels of dopamine (which makes us feel almost euphoric) as well as supressing the hormone melatonin which makes us feel sleepy. Add to this already impressive CV, vitamin D, which not only boosts memory and cognition, but is a dead-cert to make you feel brighter. How long you need outside depends on the time of day and your own tolerance but a good rule of thumb is to aim to get outside for at least 15 minutes a day.
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According to a 2010 study in the Archives of General Psychiatry, obesity and depression are linked. 30 minutes or more of vigorous exercise has been shown to improve the symptoms of depression and even boost your mood for up to 12 hours. Try doing something that involves a team or interaction with others as studies also show that your mood can be instantly boosted by 9% if you surround yourself with happy people.
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Good news for chocolate fiends – there is a reason why you reach for the stuff when you’re feeling a bit low: it makes us happy. Chocolate makes our brain release feel-good endorphins which boost our serotonin levels. As well as this, chocolate contains compounds like phenylethylamine, which work as a mild stimulant, giving us an additional boost. Unfortunately regular milk chocolate won’t quite cut it – opt for dark chocolate with at least 70 per cent cocoa solids instead.
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Lipstick sales go through the roof during times of economic uncertainty – it would seem that a neatly painted bright lip does wonders for your self-esteem and mood. Making your self look presentable can be a quick route to actually feeling more positive and pulled together. It follows that age-old reasoning that if you paint a smile on your face you will eventually feel like smiling. Make your choice of lipstick something bright, in particular bright pinks and reds have long been associated with renewed energy and spirits. We love Illamasqua Lipstick in Flare, £15.50 (a punchy orange), No.7 Vital Brights Lipstick in Blooming Pink, £10 (a bright, blue based pink) and Topshop Lips in Mischief, £8 (a solid brick red).