Ways to Boost Your Mood

Thinking too much and work often leaves us stressed. It's tough to run a household, care for the kids and still worry about the budget. Sometimes, there are days when you are so busy and just thinking about the tasks ahead makes you fret and you can't seem to finish off anything.

Here are some stress busters that are guaranteed to boost bliss that doesn't cost much time and money:

1) EAT CHOCOLATE. There's a reason why many consider it a comfort food - they make people happy. Chocolate sends feel good chemicals throughout your body and biting into a candy bar feels heavenly.

2) LISTEN TO MUSIC. Listening to slow tempo music like classical or "easy listening" songs reduces heart and respiratory rates.

3) TAKE A DEEP BREATH. Science proves it that taking long, deep breaths for just ten minutes a day can lower blood pressure. When you breath deeply, your body gets the oxygen it needs to function at optimum levels, resulting to feelings of calm and contentment.

4) TAKE A SHORT NAP. A ten-minute nap helps jump-start a good mood.

5) GET SOME SUNSHINE. Sunlight triggers the body to produce vitamin D. Go out and catch the morning sun, lack of D has been linked to depression.

6) STOP AND SMELL THE FLOWERS. Studies show that the sweet smell of flowers can relieve feelings of tension after anxiety-provoking tasks.

7) BOND WITH YOUR PET. A few minutes of playing with pets raises levels of good-mood inducing brain chemicals. When you're stressed about so many things, remember to stop and play with your four-legged friends.

8) WATCH YOUR FAVORITE SHOW. Science proves it that unwinding with your favorite TV show can zap stress. Get yourself a drink, get on the couch and just enjoy the show. Looking at positive images sparks activity on the part of the brain that promotes feelings of happiness.

9) HIT THE PAVEMENT. Try to walk everyday for at least 30 minutes. Walking can reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol by up to 40 percent.

10) WEAR A RAINBOW. Research shows that the colors RED and YELLOW trigger a chemical reaction in the body that mimics a mini adrenalin rush. So, if you want a burst of pep, slip into something red and yellow.