Leneva Spires suffers from the blues.
She says it's the winter blues, "You sort of feel like you're half awake all day long."
But for many, the cranky mood culprits aren't seasonal.
Bad times come and go, but research is giving us new reason to leave our negativity at the door.
One study found employees who bring negative emotions to work stay in a bad mood all day and their productivity falls by more than 10 percent.
Another found each happy friend increases your own chance of happiness by nine percent and each unhappy friend decreases it by seven percent.
While many medicate their moods with anti-depressants, licensed mental health counselor Abeela Haq says some chemicals treated by these medications, can be boosted naturally.
One being serotonin and for a good dose, include dark cherries and bananas in your lunch.
"If you have a lack of serotonin basically that can trigger a mood disorder or depression," said Haq.
Next grab some milk or a turkey sandwich, both are rich in the proven mood booster tryptophan.
Haq said, "That's the happy food. You eat turkey, you fall asleep, you feel good."
Chocolate also helps. The comfort food helps release mood elevating hormones called endorphins and few squares will do the trick.
Another trick, is lowering your breathing rate.
"You take a deep breath in, and you would feel your stomach." said Haq.
It seems simple, but diaphragmatic breathing is a proven way to calm your nerves.
Try breathing deeply 15 times a day.
Haw said, "You're bringing oxygen in the correct way. We often breathe incorrectly."
Fifth, try exercising. Not all workouts are created equal but a 15 minute walk can work magic.
"The key is you have to do what you enjoy if you do that you'll actually naturally start boosting neurochemicals in your brain," said Haq.
Finally sip some valerian root or chamomile tea. Both herbs contain plenty of relaxants so much they've even been used to calm horses.
A perfect blend of food and exercise to turn your frowns upside down.
One of the best ways to affect your mood is to watch what you put in your body.
Many simple carbs such as soda and junk foods are downers, while protein and vitamin rich foods improve stability.
She says it's the winter blues, "You sort of feel like you're half awake all day long."
But for many, the cranky mood culprits aren't seasonal.
Bad times come and go, but research is giving us new reason to leave our negativity at the door.
One study found employees who bring negative emotions to work stay in a bad mood all day and their productivity falls by more than 10 percent.
Another found each happy friend increases your own chance of happiness by nine percent and each unhappy friend decreases it by seven percent.
While many medicate their moods with anti-depressants, licensed mental health counselor Abeela Haq says some chemicals treated by these medications, can be boosted naturally.
One being serotonin and for a good dose, include dark cherries and bananas in your lunch.
"If you have a lack of serotonin basically that can trigger a mood disorder or depression," said Haq.
Next grab some milk or a turkey sandwich, both are rich in the proven mood booster tryptophan.
Haq said, "That's the happy food. You eat turkey, you fall asleep, you feel good."
Chocolate also helps. The comfort food helps release mood elevating hormones called endorphins and few squares will do the trick.
Another trick, is lowering your breathing rate.
"You take a deep breath in, and you would feel your stomach." said Haq.
It seems simple, but diaphragmatic breathing is a proven way to calm your nerves.
Try breathing deeply 15 times a day.
Haw said, "You're bringing oxygen in the correct way. We often breathe incorrectly."
Fifth, try exercising. Not all workouts are created equal but a 15 minute walk can work magic.
"The key is you have to do what you enjoy if you do that you'll actually naturally start boosting neurochemicals in your brain," said Haq.
Finally sip some valerian root or chamomile tea. Both herbs contain plenty of relaxants so much they've even been used to calm horses.
A perfect blend of food and exercise to turn your frowns upside down.
One of the best ways to affect your mood is to watch what you put in your body.
Many simple carbs such as soda and junk foods are downers, while protein and vitamin rich foods improve stability.
