Mood Elevators – Sewing Machines Los Angeles

There are times when despite our best we are brought down by vagaries of life. It is OK to be upset and in a bad mood from time to time, it is after all being human. What is not OK is to stay down and eventually allow depression to become a constant companion. Depression does not set in immediately. It is a process of consistently feeling bad about ones life and situation. When we allow our happiness to be controlled by factors outside of ourselves, we feel powerless and inadequate. Feelings of despondency take over and impede our growth and happiness. It therefore is imperative that we consciously bring ourselves out of our funk and move from a negative cycle into a positive one.

There are a few quick fixes that we can do to instantly change our mood. These done consistently can have a major impact on our happiness level.

1. When feeling down, contort the right side of your face. Vigorously contorting the right side of the face will release positive emotions by increasing activity in the left frontal hemisphere. Left frontal hemisphere has been linked with verbal skills, orientation in time, rational, logical, analytical thinking, happiness and positive emotions.

2. Grab a piece of dark chocolate…Just one small square is enough! Try and go for over 60% cocoa. It releases serotonin in the brain, which produces a feeling of pleasure and satisfaction. Studies show that melting chocolate in one’s mouth increases brain activity and heart rate.

3. Smile! Fake it if you have to. It is about cheating your brain into releasing endorphins.

4. Knead dough or clay, knit, paint, or do pottery, wash and rinse your clothes ( no washing machines) gardening, sewing, massaging, ironing…. anything that will make use of your hands.

5. Go for a swim or go for a hike, any form of exercise. Kissing is also considered exercise as it burns 26 cal per minute, releases endorphins and prevents facial wrinkles!

6. Get into the habit of writing a gratitude (thank you) journal. This will encourage your brain to consciously look out for things that you are grateful for and those that make you happy.

7. Light some incense or spray some aromatherapy oils on your pillow or put some in your bath. According to research the amygdala is affected by smell. Differing aromatic rings are contained with essential oils. When we smell these, the odor is transferred into a nerve message. The message is sent to different parts of the brain where the process of stimulating different hormones is undertaken.

8. Play Mozart or any music that you like. I listened to Barbara Strisand when I was really depressed, but I cant do that anymore. Our taste in music changes with the change in our moods and we can also change our mood by listening to the appropriate music. Music has an amazing ability to lift our spirits, gives us new insights and stimulates our mind.

9. Another interesting exercise that works for me. Massaging the point of the amygdala. Simple way to locate the amygdala gland is by placing your thumbs in your ears, and then place your middle fingers near the inside corners of your eyes. The amygdala gland is found about 1″ into the forehead where your index fingers fall. The frontal lobe of the brain can be located by placing your palm on your forehead. The entire area covered by your palm is where the frontal lobes are located. Massaging this area stimulates a release of endorphins. Try it.

10. Watch a silly comedy. Laugh your head off. It might be difficult when you are already down and depressed, so before sitting down for that comedy, get yourself a piece of dark chocolate….maybe a glass of red wine, spray your surroundings with beautiful smelling oils and get ready to lift your spirits.

There are no short cuts to happiness; it is a lifelong endeavor. The above are however a few quick remedies to pull you out of immediate despair and get you started on the real journey towards happiness.