n e t S R O T C FA
FEATURE STORY
fect f a n a c t a th your mood
1 2 EXERCISE
FOOD
“You are what you eat” isn’t far from the truth. The right nutrients in the
Exercise makes you feel good – it really is that simple. So much so that, according to
recommended quantities not only nurture our body’s function, they also feed the brain.
the Australian Fitness Expo Survey, 93 per cent of us exercise because it makes us
“Our food choices affect how we think, feel, how we interpret events, and how rapidly we age. You literally have to eat
happy. Exercise releases endorphins and increases serotonin, resulting in positive effects on mental wellbeing. Lucy Vaczi, a personal trainer and member motivator at Fernwood Broadway recommends that clients work out with the aim of improving both their physical and mental health, reporting that while she exercises to feel fit and strong, she also notices the immediate outcome exercise has on her mood. “If I go for more than two days without exercise I often start to feel irritated and agitated. Exercise relaxes me and helps clear my head,” she says.
have mpy and Feeling gru Our mood is hy? no idea w nt on a plethora lia partially re fluences, but in al rn te ex eaks f o lifestyle tw a w fe a st ju ing el fe u yo can have better. whole lot OV ON TYANA LE WORDS TA
STRESS
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It’s an obvious one, but stress doesn’t just affect our mood, it often dictates it. Although it’s natural to worry when things don’t go to plan, it’s vital to remember that stressing about a situation won’t change it – only action will. Eva Lane, an energy healer from Anxious Relief (anxiousrelief.com), recommends that those who are stressed release the tension in whatever way works. “Stress plays a big role in moods because our minds and bodies are like sponges, soaking up tension from the world around us,” she says. “Do whatever works for you to minimise it.” Try a walk in the park, hit the gym, write down what’s bothering you
getting close to the “time of the month” most women will get cranky, but the truth is it could well be the reason that you’re feeling down. “During week one of a woman’s cycle oestrogen and testosterone
practicing within Sydney’s eastern suburbs explains. “And in just a day after a period begins these levels start to rise which boosts
WATER INTAKE
the feel good neurotransmitter serotonin. By
Sarah Curulli, clinical pharmacist at harmaceuticals Trust The Hydration Pharmaceuticals (hydralyte.com) advises people should be aware of the effect dehydration can have on mood and general disposition. “Mild dehydration has been linked to degraded mood, lowered concentration and a perception of difficulty with daily tasks.” Curulli stresses that on average people should aim to consume eight to 10 cups of water daily, especially during and after moderate exercise or when exposed to hot and dry conditions.
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and perform at our best.”
badly or slept at the wrong time of the day. “Research shows people who are sleep deprived tend to be more irritable, angry and hostile; a short nap is all it takes to reset your mood,” says Sam Queen who manages After XII (afterxii.com.au), a nap hub aimed at helping Brisbane’s sleep deprived. Although a nap might help in the short
Eating the right food is one thing, but having a positive
You’ve probably seen the #100happydays
term, in the long term it’s recommended
relationship with the act of eating is a whole other element that can significantly affect the way you feel. ur relationship “Your relationship with food is a reflection of your with life,” explains Kim Adams, a certified eating psychology h more than coach (happyhealthygroovy.com.au). “Food is much nd soul. ul. simply nutrition; it is nourishment for the body and
hashtag or come across posts on social media where people share what they are thankful for with friends. This works because the way we think and approach life plays a huge role in w feel. how we
adults get an average of eight hours of sleep per night. If you’re habitually getting less sleep you won’t just feel bad, your ability to function and perform everyday
ght If you are constantly dieting in order to lose weight ally you lose the pleasure of food.” People who drastically restrict their intake of enjoyable foods also limitt their
“Approaching life with an attitude of openn openness and acceptance can help you gain persp perspective, rather than being weighed down an by anger, sadness or disappointment,” says
t’s experience of pleasure in other parts of their life – it’s a lose-lose situation. The key, as always, is to find a healthy balance.
Will Shannon (willshannon.com), one of Austr Australia’s leading authorities on iridology and n natural medicine.
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week two oestrogen and testosterone are at their peak – so you feel more optimistic and cheerful, but they start to decline at the start of week three. This is where some people feel a bit weepy and easily irritated, while progesterone starts to climb, which is known for its sedating effects. The pre-menstrual week being week four finds oestrogen, testosterone, and progesterone once again beginning to plunge, and our mood vacillates from mellow to irritable in a heartbeat.” Nothing you can do about this one though … which sort of puts you in a bad mood just thinking about it.
tasks will decrease too.
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S SUNLIGHT
It’s a well-known fa fact that people who get the recommended amount of sunlight are happier – there are a plethora of studies solidifying this point. “Sunshine and natural light help our brain to release its
is, most people wake up grouchy more because they haven’t slept enough, slept
MINDFULNESS
fernwood magazine | fit & fabulous
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levels are at their lowest point,” Joanne Marks (joannemarks.com.au), a naturopath
“To get up on the wrong side of the bed” refers to waking up in a bad mood. Truth
YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH FOOD
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SLEEP
fatty acids, vitamins and minerals, based
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If hubby even hints that your bad mood is because you’re
what’s on your mind.
(energycoachinginstitute.com). “Having a healthy attitude is dependent on sufficient consumption of essential amino acids,
our ability to think, process information
HORMONES
and put the note away to deal with later, or talk to a friend or family member about
right to think right,” says Joanna Rushton, founder of the Energy Coaching Institute
on individual requirements. A diet lacking in these essential nutrients can lead to mood swings, irregular blood sugar levels with energy highs and lows that impact
FEATURE STORY
COLOUR
own natural anti-depressant – serotonin,”
More than one hundred years ago, innovative educationalist Rudolph Steiner alleged that
explains Marks. The amount of vitamin D you make is ed related to the amount of skin exposed
surrounding colours influenced mental wellbeing, and followers of the Steiner philosophy
to the sun, and this varies from a few minutes during summer
introduced his principles into their schools and communities (implementing different colour schemes for different age groups).
to two to three hours in winter, depending on where in Australia you are. People with
As wishy-washy as this may sound to some people, colour can play an important role in how you feel. “Your choice of colour can impact your general wellbeing,” explains colour therapist Elizabeth Harper of Sealed With Love
naturally dark skin
(sealedwithlove.com). “Red, orange and yellow
also need more time in the sun for the same effect.. So w how much and how
are warm colours that boost enthusiasm, fuel passion, and stimulate joy, while nurturing cool colours such as green, blue, and violet offer a sense of peace, hope and contentment.”
often? Take cue from how you feel, taking into account specialist guidelines.
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