Care Ministries
Daily Dozen for Mood Boosting
We live in a busy time of constant change, stress and demands. For the average
person, it’s common to experience short periods of mild depression. Your steep
mood slump may be due to financial worries, pressure at work, relationship woes
or perhaps a reason you may not even be able to pinpoint. Whatever the cause,
the effects of said mood slump could not be less welcome. If symptoms such as
mood changes, sleep disturbance or trouble concentrating persist for more than
two weeks, it is time to seek medical advice. No matter what your mood, here are
a few natural mood boosters that are great for overall wellness.
NUTRITION
May is Mental Health
Awareness Month--
Watch for more mood boosters
and mental health resources
on Sundays, May 7 and 21
at the Minneapolis campus
in the Gallery and weekly at
the Minnetonka campus in
Friendship Hall.
1. Cut caffeine (coffee, sodas, energy drinks). The
adrenaline from caffeine will effect your moods. If you're
stressed or feeling low, this can have drastic effects.
2. Cut processed and packaged foods. They are
inflammatory in the body, which will inevitably have
a negative effect on your moods, not to mention some
devastating long-term health effects.
3. Cut artificial sweeteners. Evidence shows that
aspartame is linked to mood disorders.
4. Add a portion of protein, good fats, and complex carbohydrates to your plate.
These macronutrients help to keep our blood sugar levels stable. When our blood
sugar levels drop, so does our mood! Good fats and complex carbs also help to
make hormones and neurotransmitters in the body that help make you feel
good- serotonin!
5. Reduce alcohol intake. Alcohol is associated with mood disorders. Oh yes it is!
LIFESTYLE
6. Exercise is a natural mood lifter! Move your body in your favorite ways several
times a day. Walk whenever you can.
The Bethlehem Remembrance
Ministry, (formerly known as Grief
Ministry), sends notes and cards to
those in our church community who
have experienced the death of a loved
one. In addition to sending cards, the
ministry team hosts special events
throughout the year: a coffee/light
lunch gathering for those who are
grieving and an event with a keynote
speaker in early November. More team
members are always welcome for this
important caregiving ministry. If you
are interested in joining Bethlehem's
Remembrance Ministry or would like
more information, please contact
Arnold Krueger [email protected] or
952.303.1685.
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7. Schedule some downtime. When we're stressed and overwhelmed, our moods
tend to be low. Dedicate a few minutes a day to quiet time in meditation, prayer,
and focused breathing.
8. Sleep 8 hours. Sleep = repair. When we feel rested, we're happier people.
9. Get some energy work such as
Healing Touch™ which is deeply
relaxing; Acupuncture can be used to
treat mood disorder. Both approaches
are excellent for pain which, of course,
affects mood.
10. Forgive. It's not for the other person,
forgiveness will benefit YOU!
11. Gratitude. Write down 5 things
you're grateful for everyday. When we remember what we DO have rather than
what we don’t have, we instantly feel better.
12. Laugh more! Yes, there is science behind this. Laughing is the easiest way to
feel good.