C’mon Get Happy! 5 Ways to Boost your Bliss
As poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow once wrote: "Into each life, some rain must fall." It's a little sad, but at the same time, it makes sense. Wouldn't life be boring if everything was perfect ALL the time? We all have down days, and sometimes we just need a good wallow before we snap out of it. Other times, we need a trick or two to help us hop out of bed, throw on those boots and stomp around in that darn rain ☔Here’s how to use your 5 senses to get in a better mood fast.
Pump up the jams
Ok, this is a gimme. But we dare you to throw on Chumbawumba’s Tubthumping and not at least feel the urge to start shaking what your mama gave you. This song is especially useful if someone bummed you out since the first (and pretty much only) lyric is "I get knocked down…but I get up again! You're never going to keep me down!" When you listen to upbeat music, your brain produces serotonin and dopamine, two naturally occurring chemicals that can pretty much instantly lift your spirits. So even if you feel like typing “Sad Emo Mix” into Spotify, force yourself to try “Songs to Sing in the Shower” instead and give yourself 15 minutes to get into the groove.
Sniff sniff…a little citrus
A glass of orange or grapefruit juice can be THE perfect start to any Sunday brunch, but have you ever considered getting your nose in on the action? Your sense of smell is tied to the limbic system, which is the part of the brain that controls emotion and learning. So, giving yourself a whiff of lemon, orange, or tangerine is sure to trigger a release of endorphins that may help chase those doldrums away. Whether you indulge in an adorable essential oil set or just slice a lemon in half and inhale, these Vitamin-C packed fruits will boost energy and alertness for a little spring in your step.
Go natural
Lately, it seems like there’s been a shift away from burying our faces in our phones 24-7, which we LOVE because the research is stacking up that too much social media is making us…um, miserable. On the flip side, looking at nature is a wonderful way to ease stress. Whether you take a few minutes to start ordering seeds for your spring garden or just take a walk through a local park, green spaces can help you feel connected and calm. And if you can’t get away from your office, just a couple of minutes looking at nature on a computer screen has been proven to increase positivity.
Hug it out
A simple touch can be a magical thing. When we get close to someone we love, whether it’s a spouse, a kid, or even a pet, our brains secrete oxytocin, a chemical sometimes called the "cuddle hormone." Associated with happiness and reduced stress, oxytocin can actually reduce your blood pressure and suppress stress hormones like norepinephrine. Those are some pretty great benefits for a little snuggle. So, if you’re feeling blue, don’t be afraid to ask someone you love to wrap you up in a big bear hug. Because guess what, huggers get stress relief benefits too!
Be sweet
Mary Poppins was onto something. A spoonful of sugar may help the medicine go down, but it also reduces cortisol levels, a stress hormone. Two tablespoons of sugar (or about 25-30 grams) have been shown to activate serotonin receptors and reduce stress. So, we say, use those two tablespoons wisely! If you’re looking for the straight dough (insert laugh/cry emoji), check out our CommanDOUGHs. Four of your favorite doughs Peanut Butta Batter, Plain Jane, Dough Schmo, and Brownie Batter without mix-ins. Simple, delicious dough perfect for a mid-day pick-me-up.
We really hope these 5 ideas will come in handy when life hits you with a bad day. Hang in there and know that your friends, family, and favorite cookie dough company think that that you are the absolute best.