If you’re stuck in that “nothing’s wrong, but nothing feels right” mood, start with a breath of fresh air.
Research published in Harvard Health Publishing shows that even half an hour outdoors can lower cortisol, the stress hormone, and help you feel calmer.
According to psychologist James Jackson, from Vanderbilt University, time in nature can inspire a sense of awe, a feeling that naturally encourages gratitude and perspective.
You don’t need a long hike to feel the benefits; a stroll down your street or sitting by a window with sunlight on your face can be enough to lift the fog.
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Create something
When motivation dips, creativity can reawaken energy and curiosity.
Kait Rosiere, clinical psychologist and founder of Bloom Psychological Services, explains that engaging in creative play, like cooking, drawing, dancing, or rearranging your space, helps activate the brain’s imaginative centers.
It’s less about producing something perfect and more about freeing yourself from routine.
Writing in a journal, even briefly each day, can ease symptoms of anxiety and depression according to a study published in Einstein (Sao Paulo) by helping you organize your thoughts, release worries, and focus on moments of gratitude or calm.
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Notice the small moments
Psychologists use the term glimmers to describe small, positive moments that can brighten your mood.
That could be the sound of rain, the first sip of coffee, or a shared laugh.
Paying attention to these moments trains your brain to notice what’s good instead of what’s missing.
And don’t underestimate the power of connection. Calling a friend, chatting with a neighbor, or simply offering kindness to a stranger can have a measurable boost on your emotional state, according to a study published in American Psychiatric Association.
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As Rosiere puts it, helping others feel good often helps us, too.
Source: Real Simple, Harvard Health Publishing, Einstein (Sao Paulo) og American Psychiatric Association.
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