保持美丽心情的健康方法

Exercise as a Mood Enhancer

Regular exercise is one of the most effective and inexpensive ways to lift your mood, increase feelings of well-being, and restore your energy. It releases mood-elevating chemicals in the brain and can decrease stress hormones. One of the best options to beat the blues is taking a brisk walk outside each morning for at least 30 minutes. But what's important is that you choose something you enjoy and will stick with, whether it's going to the gym, signing up for dance classes, playing tennis, or gardening.

Light Therapy as a Mood Remedy

Getting enough sunlight may help with the seasonal mood changes that happen in the darker winter months. That's because levels of serotonin, a brain chemical that's key in influencing our mood, can drop in the winter, making us feel tired and depressed.

Exposure to bright light in the morning helps the body's sleep/wake cycle work properly and has been found to significantly increase serotonin levels.

There are plenty of ways to get your morning dose of light. One of the most simple is to take a long walk outside. Or try arranging your home or office so you're near a window. Just be sure to use sunscreen to protect your skin from damage by the sun's ultraviolet rays. Another option is to use specialized light boxes that simulate natural daylight, called light therapy.

Light Therapy and Seasonal Affective Disorder

The American Psychiatric Association supports the use of light therapy for people with seasonal affective disorder. The lights are typically made with fluorescent bulbs and are covered with a plastic screen that helps to block out harmful ultraviolet rays and prevent tanning. On average, they're used for 30-45 minutes a day. They can be found online.

Although they're rather expensive, ranging from $150-$500, they may be covered by insurance. People with bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, increased risk of retinal disease, or who are taking medications that make them more sensitive to light should consult a doctor before using these lights.

Depression and Your Mood

If you think you're depressed, the first step is to seek professional help. Depression is a serious illness that shouldn't be self-treated. Depression can also be a symptom of another disorder, such as hypothyroidism or anemia. Talk with your doctor before trying any natural remedies, especially if you are taking any medications. And finally, do not stop taking medications on your own.

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