13 Aug Top tips to put you in a good mood this summer

Many people find it easier to be in a good mood during the summer – lighter days, warm weather and more opportunities to get together outdoors with friends and family can all help lift our spirits.

But if it’s too hot, the kids are driving you nuts as they’re bored, you have hassles with travel arrangements or you are stuck indoors in the sunshine, your good mood can disappear very quickly!

In fact, recent research in the US by the State University of New York, Buffalo, found that visits to hospital emergency services for severe mental disorders – as well as more minor mental illnesses – increase significantly with extremely hot temperatures (Source: Science Direct)

Here at HRI Herbal Medicine, we are great believers in harnessing the power of nature to improve your mood and enhance your health.

A natural way to a summer good mood

If you are struggling with anxiety or low mood, HRI Good Mood offers a natural way to help alleviate the symptoms with the strongest dose of the herbal medicine St John’s Wort on the UK market in a fully-licensed herbal medicine. Always read the patient information leaflet before taking it.

But there are lots of other things you can do to boost your mood and put a spring in your step this summer.

Mood-boosting natural swimming

For me, the best way to regain my equilibrium after a hectic week is natural swimming. Living in London, I am drawn to the Hampstead Heath ponds in summer.

It’s a totally different experience to a swimming pool as you are essentially dipping yourself into nature, with ducks swimming by and a canopy of trees above. The cold water also has brilliant health benefits, such as boosting immunity, stimulating circulation and raising mood-boosting endorphin levels. It helps me to feel calmer, happier and mentally sharper.

I asked the rest of the HRI family what they do to boost their mood in the summer months. Here’s what they told me:

Good food for a good mood!

My sister and co-partner Brigitte’s passion is making the most of British summer produce to boost her fruit and veg intake.

She told me, “In the summer, raspberries and strawberries, plus ripe home-grown tomatoes, top my list of feel-good foods. I’ve had success growing beetroot and sweetcorn this year at our allotment, which is somewhere I always feel calm and happy. 

“I get particular pleasure from sharing meals with friends and family which showcase the glorious veg we can enjoy during the summer.”

Paddleboarding to peace of mind

Our assistant Danielle loves paddleboarding when the weather is warm.

She says, “Paddleboarding is great for your mental and physical well-being. It is so calming to be moving along the water and taking in all the wonderful wildlife fluttering around. The silence of the board means the wildlife doesn’t even know you are there. 

“When done correctly, it works your whole body from tip to toe. To get the most out of it, you need to engage your core, lift your head high and balance whilst gliding along on the silvery surface. Don’t be surprised if you get off and your whole body is shaking from using all those muscles you didn’t know existed!”

Berries and seeds to clear your mind

My Dad, HRI co-founder Terry, has always believed that being careful about what you put in your body is the best way to stay healthy and happy at any time of year.

He explained, “My suggestion for summer happiness is a light summer, lunch slimming and bursting with nutrients and good health! 

“I mix 3 tablespoons of half-fat yoghurt with a small handful of oats, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, two or three soft prunes, blueberries, a chopped apple and some banana slices.

“I like to follow this healthy meal with a brisk 20-minute walk to clear my mind.”

Relax with al fresco yoga

My Mum, HRI co-founder Patricia, recommends trying this series of movements to help ease worries and boost your mood this summer.

“Take a yoga mat outside in the shade of a tree and sit down cross-legged or lie with knees bent. With eyes closed, breathe in through the nose for the count of four, hold for the count of seven and breathe out through the mouth for the count of eight. 

“Keep doing this for 20-25 breaths. 

“Meanwhile, listen to what you can hear around you, maybe the wind in the trees. Try to empty your mind for complete relaxation and well-being.”

Try some of our family’s tips to put you in a good mood this summer and make the most of the wonderful sunshine!

HRI Good Mood can be taken daily to provide a long-term solution to lift mood and reduce feelings of anxiety. Plus, it’s a natural solution. Please always read the patient information leaflet for advice on which medications St John’s Wort interacts with.

If your symptoms persist,  consult your GP if you are concerned that you may be suffering from depression or acute anxiety.

Photo by Gus Moretta on Unsplash