The Magic Minute Episode 2: How To Get Out Of A Bad Mood FAST

Still not over the Sunday blues? Or Maybe it’s a case of the Mondays this week? We've been there. Check out MAGIC MINUTE número DOS on how to get out of a bad mood (FAST!).  

We're covering Kaylee's quick mood shifter, THE BREATH OF JOY*, a yoga breath technique known to uplift and bring on those happy happy, joy joy feelings. It can increase oxygen levels in your bloodstream, bring balance to your nervous system, and spread feelings of energy, vitality and inner fire. Woohoo!

While doing this breath work, you have to SMILE. Even if you don't feel like smiling, or should we say especially if you don't feel like smiling, smile anyways. This is a therapy skill called opposite action where you do the opposite of what you're feeling to help counteract being upset or in a bad mood. So, “fake it till you make it” does have some merit after all! 

The BREATH OF JOY can be done practically anywhere (minus the subway during rush hour). We suggest 20-30 seconds, or about 9 times to start, going up from there. We don't suggest this if you have high blood pressure or suffer from any type of head or eye injury. Also, if you start to feel light-headed, stop for a minute and just come to normal breathing.

And, FOOD is a major factor in your mood, there are some foods to boost and some to skip if you’re feeling the blues in a big way. Here are Carolyn’s faves: 

TURMERIC: Research shows this orange spice has benefits similar to Prozac (an anti depressant) in higher doses. As someone who’s struggled with depression and seasonal affective disorder, adding turmeric in daily has changed my life. Sprinkle it in everywhere from smoothies and juices to salad dressings and marinades - but beware, it can turn your hands yellow and screw up your manicure, so use a spoon. If you don’t know how to deal with the root, the crème de la crème brand is Wakaya turmeric, which we sell at Foodtrainers here. Get turmeric in every day OR take curcumin (the active compound) in supplement form.  

WATER: The most boring, I know, but every cell in your glowing body depends on being well hydrated, and very few of us are. Water makes us more awake and energized and is a super simple (and free) mood booster. If water is "blah" to you, whip a batch of spa water (add cucs, lemon, mint etc) and leave on your desk to remind you to drink. Sparkling water and tea count too. Aim for 80 oz/day.

PROBIOTIC & FERMENTED FOODS: Your gut is your second brain, and all of your happy neurotransmitters begin here. So it’s essential that you’re on a great probiotic supplement (I love Advanced Naturals brand) and you should try to eat at least one fermented food daily like miso, kombucha, yogurt, pickled veggies or sauerkraut, kimchi, or kefir.

SO there you have your to-do list, but a few foods can make you feel the blah’s a little extra: excess sugar, caffeine and booze. Yup I hate to tell you, when you’re down, cocktails and ice cream will make you feel even downer so try to be extra kind to yourself when you least feel like it.

PS, make sure you are getting in some exercise that you love too – there’s nothing like endorphins to make you feel great. Happier days are ahead!! And follow us on insta for some daily mood boosts @the.magic.minute.

*Please note, if you're dealing with bad moods more often than not, and notice it's significantly impacting your life, these may or may not be signs of clinical depression. If so, we suggest reaching out for a professional assessment from a licensed mental health professional, such as a psychotherapist like Kaylee and/or a psychiatrist in your area.