Spring Free

That’s how many of us feel after spending most of a long, strange winter indoors.

Spring is such a wonderful escape. Being outside – even just looking outside – makes us feel good: the sun is shining, the grass is turning green and birds are chirping again. It’s relaxing and energizing at the same time.

There are other ways you can find your energy and feel great no matter what the weather is, and a few brilliant people at California State University got together to talk about three strategies you might want to  consider:

1. Music seems to turn a mood around and raise your energy level, while reducing tension. All kinds of studies show that music increases productivity in the workplace. Even elevator music can lift your spirits!

2. Exercise is a very effective way to improve your mood. If you start moving – a brisk walk, a dance aerobics class – your endorphins will increase and you find yourself smiling and feeling more energetic.

3. Being with other people can improve your mood, too. It seems that people who socialize a lot are just plain happier, more upbeat.

Other ways to feel energetic and spring free include giving a pep talk (to yourself or someone else), thinking positive thoughts and doing something you like. For example, when your friends talk about “shopping therapy”, they’re onto something; shopping, reading, doing chores and spending time on hobbies all tend to lift our spirits.

Remember “Don’t just stand there, do something.”? It works.

Less successful ways of feeling good are watching television (especially soap operas), eating, and drinking coffee (though we might disagree with that part of the study.)