Are you feeling stressed out yet? It’s mid-summer and your schedule may be starting to overwhelm you; that camping trip this weekend made getting up for work on Monday difficult, you are staying up with the longer days and sleeping less, and being out under the sun is zapping your energy. As fun as summer is, if you don’t keep an eye on your health, you could find your sunny mood turning into burn out.
Here are three easy ways you can boost your mood during the final push through summer.
- Don’t neglect your bed
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, adults should sleep a minimum of 7 hours per night, more if you need it.1 If you are chronically sacrificing sleep for those late summer nights, you are headed for a crash. According to Harvard University, “After a sleepless night, you may be more irritable, short-tempered, and vulnerable to stress. Once you sleep well, your mood often returns to normal.”2 If you need to say goodbye to friends an hour early at night but can perform better at work the following day, it’s worth it.
- Don’t let your diet slide
If you are busier in the summer, it’s easy to start snacking on the go. During fall and winter, you are more likely to spend time cooking in your home, including warm, hearty soups or slow-roasted, filling meats. The good news is that the summer months offer the tastiest selection of fruits and vegetables! If you are going to eat on the go, grab snacks that aren’t just going to fill an empty stomach during activities, but provide a good deal of nutritional value to your diet. Examples of easy, on-the-go snacks and meals include:
- Mozzarella, basil, tomato, and balsamic skewers
- Sharp cheddar, grapes, and pecans
- Beef stuffed red bell peppers
- Blueberries, strawberries, banana, and Greek yogurt parfait
- Ground turkey tacos with fresh Pico de Gallo
- Try a turmeric supplement
According to a meta-analysis conducted in 2017, numerous clinical trials have shown that curcumin (found in turmeric) may support symptoms associated with depression.3 In three studies, curcumin was also shown to have anti-anxiety effects on mood. In all trials, no adverse events were reported, indicating that turmeric may be a safe and effective supplement to try for poor mood. However, if you are already on an anti-depressant, speak with your physician first regarding drug and nutrient interactions.
If you’re looking for different ways to naturally boost your mood, you may want to consider adding a personalized supplement regimen to your daily routine. Take our 5-minute assessment to get custom vitamin recommendations based on your health and lifestyle. Ready to find the right vitamins for you? Start the assessment now.
