Pick Me Up Tuesday: Animal Assisted Counseling of Indiana
Natural Mood Boosters That Actually Work
Some days, it’s tough to get going. Whether you’re dealing with stress, sadness, anxiety, or just general blahs—know this: you’re not alone, and there are gentle, supportive ways to help yourself feel better.
This Pick-Me-Up Tuesday, we’re sharing tried-and-true natural mood boosters that are easy to start, cost nothing, and are rooted in real science.
At Animal Assisted Counseling of Indiana (AACI), we see the power of these tools every day. From a simple walk with a therapy dog to practicing gratitude, the smallest shifts can have the biggest impact.
🧠 What Are Natural Mood Boosters?
Natural mood boosters are everyday habits, tools, or lifestyle choices that can help improve your mental and emotional well-being—without relying on medication or external substances.
They work by:
Stimulating feel-good brain chemicals (like serotonin, dopamine, oxytocin)
Supporting your nervous system
Reconnecting you to your body and the present moment
Encouraging emotional self-care
Let’s dive into a few favorites.
🐾 1. Spend Time with a Therapy Animal
Spending time with animals—especially therapy dogs—has been shown to:
Lower stress hormones like cortisol
Increase oxytocin (the “bonding” hormone)
Reduce anxiety symptoms
Improve emotional regulation
Clients at AACI often share how just being around our therapy dogs helps them feel calmer, safer, and more open to doing emotional work.
📘 Learn more: How therapy animals help with emotional regulation
🌞 2. Get Sunlight and Fresh Air
Even 10–15 minutes of natural sunlight can make a difference in how you feel. Sunlight helps regulate your circadian rhythm and boosts vitamin D, which is essential for mood regulation.
If possible:
Take your dog for a morning walk
Sit by a window with a warm drink
Step outside during your lunch break
☀️ Explore the mood benefits of sunlight from Cleveland Clinic
🎶 3. Use Music as a Mood Reset
Music has a unique ability to shift your emotional state. It activates the brain’s reward system and can help you reconnect with joy or release emotions that feel stuck.
Try this:
Make a “mood booster” playlist
Sing along to an uplifting song
Dance or move with the beat—even for 2 minutes
This is especially effective for teens who struggle to put emotions into words.
✍️ 4. Practice Gratitude or Journaling
Writing down a few things you’re grateful for or reflecting on your day can help rewire your brain for positivity.
Journaling prompts to try:
What made me smile today?
What small thing went right?
Who or what am I thankful for today?
This practice not only lifts your mood—it helps build emotional resilience over time.
🧘♀️ 5. Move Your Body
Exercise doesn’t have to be intense to help your mood. Movement increases endorphins and reduces tension in your body.
Some gentle options:
Stretching with your pet nearby
A walk around the block
Yoga or tai chi
Playing outdoors with your child or dog
🫂 6. Connect with Someone
Isolation can make low moods feel heavier. Reaching out—even in a small way—can help lift the fog.
Try:
Texting a friend just to say hi
Playing with your pet
Setting up a therapy appointment
Asking for a hug
Therapy animals are especially helpful here because they offer non-judgmental presence and emotional support—even without words.
💡 Natural Mood Boosters for Kids and Teens
At AACI, we often work with children and teens who don’t yet have the language to express how they feel. Mood boosters for young clients may include:
Coloring or art
Deep breathing with a therapy dog nearby
Playing outside
One-on-one time with a trusted adult
Emotional check-ins using visuals
Helping kids develop natural mood boosters early sets the foundation for lifelong emotional health.
🐶 How AACI Can Support Your Emotional Wellness
At Animal Assisted Counseling of Indiana, we believe healing happens in connection—with ourselves, with others, and with our therapy animals.
We offer:
Individual therapy for adults, teens, and children
Animal-assisted sessions to reduce anxiety and overwhelm
Emotional support for family transitions and stress
📍 Located in Munster, Indiana – serving Northwest Indiana and nearby areas.
🎯 Pick-Me-Up Tuesday Task
Today, choose one natural mood booster from this list and give it 10 intentional minutes.
✨ Whether that’s stepping outside, petting your dog, or playing a favorite song—small steps can shift everything.
When you’re ready for deeper support, we’re here with open arms (and furry paws).