Mood Swings Begone: Natural Ways to Hack Your Happy

Need a boost? No problem. We all have bad days when our mood is low, and that’s nothing to worry about. But sometimes we need a boost to get through an important day feeling our best. Natural mood boosters can help lift your spirits when you need it most. Here, we’ll show you how to brighten your mood naturally.

Table of Contents

What Are Mood Boosters?

Mood boosters generally refer to natural or plant-based products that help improve a low mood. Aside from plant-based supplements, there are many natural mood boosters you can easily incorporate into your day. One of the simplest and most well-known is sunlight. Even the food you eat can impact your mood, as long as it contains the right nutrients.

How Do Mood Boosters Work in the Body?

Our wellbeing and positive mood are influenced by hormones. The brain’s reward system releases these chemicals when we experience something positive. A good piece of news or a small moment of joy can trigger the release of these hormones, spreading feelings of happiness and satisfaction throughout the body. You might feel it through a faster heartbeat or that warm, tingling feeling in your stomach.

But the reverse is also true. Bad news can dampen your mood, releasing stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, produced by the adrenal glands.

To maintain a positive mood, it’s important to reduce stress hormones and ensure your body has enough of these "happiness" hormones:

  • Serotonin
  • Dopamine
  • Noradrenaline
  • Endorphins
  • Oxytocin

You can influence the release of these mood-boosting hormones and reduce stress hormones through certain activities. When that’s not enough, herbal mood boosters can help activate these hormones.

Natural Mood Boosters

A healthy body naturally responds to certain mood boosters, whether they come from the environment or are abilities already present in your body. Some examples of natural mood boosters include:

  • Sunlight promotes the release of serotonin, noradrenaline, and dopamine, and helps the body produce vitamin D.
  • Light therapy can replace missing sunlight during dark winter months.
  • Exercise stimulates the production of serotonin and endorphins while reducing stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol.
  • Relaxation helps reduce cortisol. Meditation, other relaxation techniques, and wellness treatments can also support the release of happiness hormones.
  • Music and singing activate oxytocin, serotonin, and dopamine.
  • A colourful environment, especially in shades of yellow and orange, can encourage the release of dopamine.
  • Laughter, social interaction, and time with others stimulate the release of endorphins while suppressing adrenaline.

A walk in the sun, dancing to your favourite tunes, a sauna session, or even watching a funny movie can all help lift your mood naturally.

Herbal Mood Boosters

If natural mood boosters aren’t an option, herbal remedies can be a great alternative. Herbal teas, plant extracts, or supplements may help, and even aromatherapy with essential oils can support serotonin production. Some popular herbal mood boosters include:

  • Lemon balm, which helps with serotonin production
  • St John's Wort, known for supporting the production of dopamine, serotonin, and noradrenaline
  • Lavender, which promotes oxytocin release
  • Passionflower, which aids in the breakdown of cortisol
  • Rhodiola, which helps maintain and increase serotonin and dopamine levels
  • Velvet bean, which contains L-Dopa, a precursor to dopamine
  • Ginkgo biloba and turmeric, both of which support dopamine production

However, it’s important to note that some herbal remedies can have side effects or interact with medications, so consult your doctor before using them.

Eat Your Way to Happiness: Nutrients for a Better Mood

What you eat can also support the production of happiness hormones. Key nutrients that help release serotonin and dopamine and brighten your mood include:

  • Vitamin D
  • Vitamin B6
  • Vitamin B12
  • Folic acid
  • Magnesium
  • Potassium
  • Omega-3 fatty acids
  • The amino acid tryptophan

Foods rich in these mood-boosting nutrients include:

  • Walnuts
  • Tomatoes
  • Pineapples
  • Bananas
  • Dark chocolate
  • Green tea
  • Kiwis
  • Plums
  • Potatoes and whole grains

Additionally, consuming carbohydrates can help break down cortisol, a hormone linked to low mood.

The Best Methods to Beat the Blues

The best way to combat low moods is prevention. Regularly support your brain’s reward system by promoting the production of happiness hormones and reducing stress hormones. This can be achieved through regular exercise (preferably outdoors), a balanced diet rich in mood-boosting nutrients, and regular relaxation sessions. Make the most of sunny days by getting outside, and avoid stress whenever possible to reduce the likelihood of a mood dip.

If you do find yourself feeling down, listening to music, going for a walk, or enjoying a sauna session can help lift your spirits. Treat yourself to a few squares of dark chocolate, some walnuts, or a banana to support your serotonin and dopamine levels, and be sure to take a little time just for yourself.

At a Glance

  • 01.

    Mood boosters help lift your spirits. Natural and herbal remedies like sunlight, exercise, St John's Wort, and lemon balm promote the release of happiness hormones and can alleviate low moods.

  • 02.

    Nutrients like vitamin D, B vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, and tryptophan, found in foods like dark chocolate, bananas, and walnuts, support the production of happiness hormones.

  • 03.

    Prevention is key—regular outdoor exercise, a balanced diet, and relaxation help ward off mood dips and improve emotional wellbeing in the long run.

Article Sources

© 2024 AG1

Food supplements are not a substitute for a balanced and varied diet and a healthy lifestyle. Do not exceed the indicated daily intake. Keep out of reach of children. Please inform and consult your doctor before consuming this product. Not suitable for children and adolescents under 18 years, pregnant or breastfeeding women. Refrain from taking other food supplements containing zinc. Persons taking anticoagulant medication should seek medical advice before consuming vitamin K-containing supplements.

* Genuine reviews from customers who received a review link after purchase.

** Offer valid for new subscribers only. Free Shipping does not apply to customers in Switzerland and Norway.

Immune System

1: Copper, folate, selenium, zinc, and vitamins A, B12, B6, and C contribute to the normal function of the immune system.

Metabolism

2: Vitamins C, B6 and B12, as well as thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, biotin, pantothenic acid, calcium, phosphorus, copper, and manganese contribute to normal energy-yielding metabolism. Biotin, zinc, and chromium contribute to normal macronutrient metabolism. Vitamin A and riboflavin contribute to normal metabolism of iron. Zinc contributes to normal acid-base metabolism.

Healthy Cells

3: Vitamins E and C, as well as riboflavin, zinc, copper, manganese and selenium, contribute to the protection of cells from oxidative stress. Zinc contributes to normal DNA synthesis. Phosphorus contributes to normal function of cell membranes.

Mental Performance; Mental Focus; Nervous System; Psychological Function

4: Vitamins C, B6, B12, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid and folic acid contribute to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue. Pantothenic acid contributes to normal mental performance. Zinc contributes to normal cognitive function. Vitamins C, B6, B12, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, biotin, and copper contribute to normal functioning of the nervous system. Thiamine, niacin, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, biotin, folate, and vitamin C in AG1 contribute to normal psychological function.

Healthy bones

5: Calcium contributes to the maintenance of normal bones. Protein, phosphorus, zinc, and manganese contribute to the maintenance of normal bones. Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of bones.

Cardiovascular System

6: Thiamine contributes to the normal function of the heart. Vitamins B6 and B12 contribute to normal red blood cell formation. Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of blood vessels.

Skin, hair, nails

7: Vitamin A, riboflavin, niacin, biotin and zinc contribute to the maintenance of normal skin. Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of skin. Biotin, zinc and selenium contribute to the maintenance of normal hair. Copper contributes to normal skin and hair pigmentation and to normal connective tissue. Selenium and zinc contribute to the maintenance of normal nails.

Hormonal Health

8: Vitamin B6 contributes to the regulation of hormonal activity. Pantothenic acid contributes to normal synthesis and metabolism of steroid hormones, vitamin D, and some neurotransmitters. Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal testosterone levels in the blood. Selenium contributes to normal thyroid function and normal spermatogenesis. Zinc contributes to normal fertility and normal reproduction. Chromium contributes to the maintenance of normal blood glucose levels.

Digestion

9: Calcium contributes to the normal function of digestive enzymes. Biotin contributes to the maintenance of normal mucous membranes (e.g., intestinal mucosa).

Muscles

10: Calcium contributes to normal muscle function. Proteins contribute to the maintenance of muscle mass and an increase in muscle mass.

Healthy eyes

11: Vitamin A, riboflavin and zinc contribute to the maintenance of normal vision.

Your privacy is our priority. Learn more: