In America, around 58 million adults suffered from mental illness in 2021. This equates to one in every five adults. Pampering ourselves is an integral part of self-care that can improve our mental health and overall well-being. So, when life throws us curve balls, keeping our spirits up and engaging in activities that are good for our minds is critical (and, of course, asking for professional help is essential, too.) Read on to learn five ways to lift your mood and discover which foods and activities will brighten your day!

Eat as healthy as possible
While sugary foods give us a slight happiness boost, try consuming as little sugar as possible—it depletes energy and crashes your mood. To improve your mood, opt for dark green leafy vegetables, chard, mustard greens, turnip greens, broccoli, cauliflower, and asparagus, which are all high in nutrients.

Moreover, nuts and seeds, particularly pumpkin and sesame seeds, contain essential minerals that regulate mood. And do not forget about the oatmeal! It is an excellent breakfast option. It gives you a steady release of energy, which keeps your blood sugar and mood stable.