We all have days when we aren’t exactly feeling our best. Whether it’s work, relationship trouble or just life in general, our emotions can get the better of us. So where do you turn? A glass (or a bottle) of wine, ice cream, the arms of a loved one maybe. But how many times do we actually turn to ourselves? Personally speaking, very seldom.

But did you know that we can find comfort in ourselves through our own bodies? Here’s how to instantly make yourself feel better through simple but effective physical gestures – in 30 seconds or less.

Read more: These 4 yoga poses improve mood by adjusting your brain chemicals

Stressed? Let’s get physical

Psychotherapist Noa Belling explains, “Our bodies have an innate ability to shift how we feel because our brain receives more information from our body senses than it does from our thoughts about what’s going on.”

She gives posture as an example. “When you feel down, your posture tends to slump, and when you feel up, your posture tends to be more uplifted. Try feeling down with your posture upright or feeling uplifted with your posture slumped. You might find that difficult, or even impossible.”

Okay, now we’re listening…

Why this works

The reason we find the above exercise difficult is because our body lets our brain know how we’re feeling. We’re actually wired to gather information about ourselves from our physical responses and to pick up information about others quickly and non-verbally through their gestures.

“But what might not be as obvious is that your posture can also perpetuate, or cause you to feel, a certain way and that proactively changing your posture can change your mood and mind,” says Belling.

Read more: You definitely need to work out at least two times a week if you want the heart benefits

Science backs it up

Belling shares the science in her new book The Mindful Body. According to psychology professor Richard Petty “the brain has areas that reflect feelings such as confidence, and when the specific area is triggered it’s difficult to tell the difference between natural confidence and temporary confidence as a result of standing up straight. The brain responds in the same way to both. So your confidence can make you stand upright and standing upright can create confidence.”

Here are four ways to feel instantly better. The best part: You don’t even have to leave your chair.

1. Smile!

Yes you might feel a bit silly forcing a smile, but it can make you feel better. Smiling, whether it’s fake or not, can instantly boost feel-good hormones to counteract stress. “It can even help you think more clearly because stress hormones can create a short circuit in your brain that limits or cuts off access to your most mature thinking, instead prioritising more primitive brain regions and the fight, flight, freeze or faint response,” says Belling.

Read more: This is why ‘comfort eating’ is a bad idea for your mental health

2. Hand over heart

No, we aren’t about to sing the national anthem. Placing your hand over your heart – and holding it there for a few seconds – can make you feel better. This is because touch instantly raises oxytocin, the cuddle hormone, making us feel comforted. This position can also help us feel more self-compassionate and compassionate towards others. “So when you feel stressed, or like you’re about to lose your temper, try out a hand to your heart, perhaps allowing a deep breath to follow, and then notice how you respond to what’s in front of you,” says Belling.

3. Balance your posture

If you’re standing, place both your feet evenly on the ground; if sitting, adjust yourself to sit evenly over both hips. “Centering and balancing your posture in this way can not only help your body feel more balanced and comfortable, it can bring about a more balanced outlook and help you to think more clearly when you feel emotional or under pressure,” explains Belling. You don’t have to stay in the position forever – 30 seconds can be than enough for an instant perspective shift.

Read more: 10 signs that someone you know is emotionally unstable

4. Be present

Feeling emotionally stuck or facing a stressful situation? Loosen up. Stretching out areas of tension is a great way to “counteract the tendency to overthink that can sometimes lead you round in spirals of negativity,” says Belling. Also, open your senses in the moment – notice the sights, sounds and smells around you. “When you pay more attention to your environment, a new clarity can emerge.”

^{This article was originally published on www.womenshealthsa.co.za}

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If you’re affected by allergies during the warmer seasons, chances are the colder weather will not bring much relief.

The amount of pollen in the air in winter is significantly lower than during spring and summer. However, because people tend to spend a lot of time indoors during winter, with the doors and windows closed, they become more susceptible to indoor allergens.

Winter allergy symptoms are similar to those you experience in spring or summer. These may include:

• Itchy nose and eyes
• Sore throat
• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Runny nose

You can treat allergies by taking antihistamines, but if the problem persists, you may want to consult an allergist. An allergist would be able to tell you exactly what you’re allergic to and how to solve the problem.

Allergens:

Mould

What is it? Mould is a fungus that tends to grow in warm, damp areas. Mould grows when its spores reproduce and spread.

The allergy: Mould spores can become airborne and come into contact with your body. This contact will then trigger allergy symptoms.

How to treat it? Regularly clean areas that tend to be damp and moist. Don’t allow objects that are likely to attract mould to stand around. Throw away old food before it turns mouldy.

Pet dander

What is it? Pets with feathers or fur are more likely to shed dander. Dander is tiny skin particles that your pet regularly sheds.

The allergy: Due to the cold weather, you would most likely spend more time indoors with your pets. This may lead to an accumulation of pet dander in your house, which may cause the onset of winter allergies.

How to treat it? Open windows so that dander can be carried out. Vacuum carpets regularly.

Dust mites

What is it? Dust mites are microscopic bugs that can be found in beds and couches.

The allergy: Dust mites may leave remains or droppings behind, which can cause winter allergies.

How to treat it? Regularly wash bedding and shake out couch cushions. Vacuuming regularly is also effective.

Fireplaces and heaters

What is it? Fireplaces and heaters are a great way to keep warm during winter but they bring on nasty allergies as well.

The allergy: Without proper ventilation, the smoke caused by fireplaces may aggravate your allergies. Heaters tend to heat up a room and remove moisture. This lack of moisture in the air dries up the nasal passages and aggravates already inflamed nasal passages.

How to treat it? Make sure that the room and fireplace are well ventilated before lighting a fire or switching on the heater.

 ^{Image credit: iStock}

Lauren Mitchell