Boosting Mood with the 5 Senses

In Vancouver this time of year tends to be dark and dreary.  Post-holiday blues hit home.  Days are short.  If feels a long way til summer.  And people’s mood tends to sink into a state of blahs or worse.  When everything becomes monotone at this time of year, use your senses to ground you and bring some nuance into the season. 

1. Sight

Keep pictures or photos around that remind you of good times or good people.  Or pictures of the promise of a vacation that you have planned.  Make sure to take time during the day to stop and appreciate the view or take the scenic route to work or school.  Fill up your eyes with sights that make you feel good inside.

2. Sound

Consider the music you listen to during the day.  Music can be a powerful tool to affect your mood. Choose your music thoughtfully.  Take a moment to think of the music that will lift your spirits or encourage you to embrace your day. 

3. Touch

This is the season of warm and cozy.  Choose your clothes with touch in mind.  What do you like to wear?  What makes you feel good?  What feels good on you?  It may be adding an accessory or pulling out something you haven’t worn in awhile.  It may mean choosing colours that look good on you and make you feel good about yourself.  It may mean putting on underwear that feels good that no one else may see but you know is there.  J

4. Smell and Taste

I lumped these two together because so often they are associated with one another.  A hot steaming cup of tea or coffee on a cold morning.  A delicious meal after a long day.  A special treat during the morning or afternoon. 

5. Breath

Technically breath isn’t a sense but it is vital component to appreciating all the senses (literally!).  Stop for a minute during your day and simply breathe.  Take time to pay attention to your breath.  Breath or ‘to inspire’ is the root of the word ‘inspiration’ and if you don’t take time and breathe, it is interesting how inspiration seems to dry up.  So breathe in and count to 8…slowly…1…2…3…4…5…6…7…8…then hold for a couple of seconds then breathe out for 8.  Repeat several times.  If you notice, you will realize that if you did that regularly you would be taking about 4 full breaths per minute.  How quickly do you usually breathe?  What happens when you take the time to deepen your breath like this?  Where does your mind go?  How do you feel?  Do you feel different? 

Slow down and treat yourself to a sensory feast this month.  Your heart and soul will thank you.