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Here are some ways to give your mood a much-needed boost:
Give it away
After performing good deeds, people are happier and feel their life has more purpose. It only takes $5 spent on others to make you happier on a given day, according to a recent study. And selfless acts can also help your marriage become a more enjoyable experience.
Ponder this
A 2005 study that tracked mood changes in dialysis patients found they were in a good mood most of the time, despite having their blood cleaned three times a week. However, healthy patients envisioned a miserable life when asked to imagine adhering to such a demanding schedule. As Winston Churchill said, "A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty."
Work out
Consistent exercise can help people battling depression. Exercise improves your state of mind in part by affecting the body's levels of two chemicals: cortisol and endorphins. Cortisol, which is produced in response to stress, increases blood pressure and blood sugar, weakens the immune response and can lead to organ inflammation and damage. But working out burns cortisol, restoring the body's normal levels. Exercise can also cause the brain to release endorphins, the body's natural pain relievers.
Live long
If you still find yourself down in the dumps, just give it some time. A study of 2 million people from 80 nations found that depression is most common among adults in their mid-40’s. But with age humans are more inclined to filter out the negatives while focusing on what they enjoy.
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