If you are looking to lift your mood, you may have considered many solutions, including perhaps seeing your GP. Depression is something which can affect a lot of people, estimated to impact on 1 in 10 people overall. Before you reach for pills to try and cure your low moods, there are a few things you can try to lift your feelings naturally. Taking a walk in the sunshine, getting more sleep and talking about your moods with someone that you trust are some initial options. Another idea? Eating more fruit.
Office Fruit for Positive Mental Attitude
Fruit may seem like a small or unimpressive option when it comes to improving your happiness levels or how positive you are as a person, but actually, over time, the build-up of the vitamins and minerals in your system following daily fruit intake can really impact on your mental health.
One of the easiest times to eat fruit is at work because this is where you spend the majority of your time, and often where you are sitting for long periods of time feeling hungry. Fruitful office.ie suggest that providing fruit in the office encourages staff to eat fruit more regularly, rather than bringing in chocolate and unhealthy snacks from home. This can be placed in the staff room for staff to enjoy in their break time. They are more inclined to reach for an apple or a banana if it is sitting on the side (and is free).
Over time, the vitamin C in citrus fruits, in particular, can boost the immune system. A better immune system means fewer episodes of sickness, which can often lead to a happier lifestyle and mood. The attraction of FREE fruit is also a perk which can make people feel small episodes of happiness which can have a greater effect on happiness levels.
The charity Mind, which specializes in helping people with anxiety, depression and other mental health issues, offers advice when it comes to food and mood. They say that food can hugely impact on your health and your mind.
They suggest:
- Eating a healthy breakfast, (including fruit) which gets the day off to a good start.
- Instead of eating a large lunch and dinner, eat smaller portions spaced out throughout the day.
- Avoid foods which make your blood sugar rise and fall rapidly, such as sweets, biscuits, sugary drinks, and alcohol.
They also say that sometimes your gut can reflect how you are feeling emotionally. If you are stressed or anxious this can make your gut slow down or speed up. So, feed the gut well. For healthy digestion, you need to have plenty of fiber, fluid, and exercise regularly. Fruit is a big part of this.
LiveStrong says that fruit is a good source of dietary fibre. Some fruits are good for digestion because they provide fibre that keeps the gastrointestinal tract in good working order. They also contain enzymes that break down hard-to-digest proteins. Essentially, feeding yourself well can affect every other part of your life, including, specifically, your mind.
Having a positive mental attitude is closely linked to happiness. If you feel positive, you are more likely to feel happy at the end of each day. By thinking more optimistically, you can enjoy a less stressful lifestyle. Think of small steps leading up to a much bigger picture. Eating an apple each day may seem like a small step, but over time, it could contribute towards your larger ‘happiness’ picture. And remember, you are the one in control of this picture. Do not rely on others to make the changes for you.
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You need to make positive steps to improve your mood, and sometimes this can be hard to do. Of course, if you feel very low frequency, it is always advisable to seek professional help from your GP.