Lift my mood

Evidence suggests that non-smokers tend to be less stressed than smokers. The extra stress smokers feel is often caused by nicotine withdrawal between cigarettes. The way your body responds to this desire for more nicotine can increase tension and have a negative impact on your mood.

Removing cigarettes from your life also removes these smoking-related issues and helps to give you more control over your mood.

Stopping smoking can have a positive impact on your life in so many ways, including:

• Helping your skin look younger
• Boosting your energy levels
• Saving cash and easing money worries
• Improving your sense of taste and smell
• Giving you fresher breath and whiter teeth
• Helping you live longer

We understand stopping smoking can be difficult in the short term but the long-term benefits can really help you feel good and get more out of life. You don’t have to do it alone, there is lots of FREE support available in Liverpool.

Some people drink when they’re feeling low but this usually only makes them feel worse. Alcohol is a depressant, so although initially it may make you feel more energetic or cheerful, this feeling fades quickly, leaving you feeling down, tired and dehydrated.

Drinking less is a much better way to improve your mood. Reducing the amount you usually drink each week by as little as one or two drinks a day can give you more energy, help you manage your weight, save money and boost your mood.

Starting to eat more healthily and staying hydrated can be a big help if you’re feeling low. The benefits that come with a healthy balanced diet can help you feel good and get more out of life.

Small changes like cutting down on added sugars, eating more unprocessed food and aiming to eat five portions of fruit and vegetables each day can give you more energy, help you manage your weight, make your skin look and feel better, and help you think more clearly.

There is also evidence that the Mediterranean diet – a diet that includes plenty of fruit and vegetables, olive oil and legumes (beans and pulses) with less meat and dairy foods than the typical Western diet – can reduce the risk of some chronic diseases and even help you live longer

Click here for more advice and tips on eating well.

Being more active isn’t just good for your body, it’s great for your mind too. If you’re feeling a little bit down or you’ve had a stressful day at work, doing something active can be a great way to improve your mood.

Going for a walk can help clear your head, running can help work off some tension and yoga can really help you relax. Whatever size, shape or age you are, there’s an activity to suit everyone.

Being more active is particularly good for your mood, as it stimulates your brain and can leave you feeling happier and more relaxed.