We're all home a lot more these days than we used to be. We're baking bread, embarking on ill-fated DYI projects, and Zooming everything from ballet recitals to 2nd-grade math. But that doesn't mean it has to suck. Sure 2020 has been a bit rough, but fear not! We've curated a must-try list of mood-lifting social accounts, books, podcasts, and music to help you kick those blues.

1: Mood-Boosting Accounts to Follow

We're blessed to live in an era of widespread access to healthy living education and resources! Here are some of our favorite social accounts to follow that will infuse your feed with positivity, hope, and inspiration:

@Just.Ingredients

Part nutrition guide, part mom-hacks, part eco-friendly swaps, Karalynne Call's account (a.k.a. Just.Ingredients) is a must to follow. A self-described "certified nutritionist, mental health advocate, [and] blessed mom of 6," Just.Ingredients daily shares useful, actionable ways to create a healthier, happier home.

@CareerContessa

Needing some positive career advice? Then you'll love @Careercontessa! From practical tips on how to navigate office conflict to ways to grow and succeed in your career, this awesome account gives you a daily dose of positivity that will spur you on to new heights!

@Havenfaithshepherd

There are few accounts on Instagram like @havenfaithshepherd's. Her pithy description says it all: "bomb survivor, adopted, paralympic hopeful, swimmer, CrossFit, happy." Although she lost the lower half of both her legs as a child, Haven doesn't let it get her down. Instead, she posts interesting workout videos, inspiring quotes, and heart-fueling videos that are sure to pump you up for the day ahead.

@No.food.rules

If you haven't heard of the intuitive eating movement, take our recommendation and go look it up! One of my personal favorite proponents of this lifestyle is Colleen Christensen, RD, otherwise known as @no.food.rules. She chucks diet culture, body shaming, and unhealthy eating habits out the window. Instead, she's an advocate for a balanced, healthy, body-aware relationship with food.

2: Mood-Boosting Books to Read

Escaping into a great read can change a dreary outlook in a snap. And when it comes to books, these four are truly worth the effort. From learning to channel your emotions, to silky-smooth poetry, to beautiful prose, you'll find that peaceful serenity you've been looking for.

The Clarity Cleanse, by Habib Sadeghi

A liberating 12-step guide to recognizing the emotional issues that hold us back, with strategies to increase our energy and help us reach our potential by the health and spiritual advisor to Gwyneth Paltrow.

The Sun And Her Flowers, by Rupi Kaur

From rupi kaur, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of milk and honey, comes her long-awaited second collection of poetry. A vibrant and transcendent journey about growth and healing. Ancestry and honoring one’s roots. Expatriation and rising up to find a home within yourself.

The Hope Circuit, by Martin Seligman

One of the most influential living psychologists looks at the history of his life and discipline, and paints a much brighter future for everyone.
Today, thanks in large part to Seligman's Positive Psychology movement, it is ever more focused not on what cripples life, but on what makes life worth living--with profound consequences for our mental health.

Patsy, by Nicole Dennis-Benn

A beautifully layered portrait of motherhood, immigration, and the sacrifices we make in the name of love from award-winning novelist Nicole Dennis-Benn.

3: Mood-Boosting Ingredients To Add To Your Daily Routine

As natural ingredient lovers, we'd be amiss to not highlight our favorite mood-lifters. Whether you're brewing them in a tea, diffusing their essential oils in your home, or adding them to a hot bath, their sure to chase away the gloom.

Chamomile

Recent research implies that Chamomile—a derivative of Matricaria recutita—may reduce depression and anxiety. Try brewing a hot mug of chamomile tea in the evening. Just the aroma from this incredible little flower will have you unwinding in no time. Here's my personal favorite Chamomile Tea.

Other great teas for chasing mental gloom away? Try Peppermint, Ginger, Licorice, or Green Tea (Incidentally, these teas are also pros at chasing away tummy woes, which is pretty awesome in our book.)

Ylang-ylang

From the heart of Indonesia comes a spunky yellow flower used to treat depression and anxiety. Ylang-Ylang's offers a "heady, sweet, radiant heavy floral odor [...] with spicy notes of clove in the background" (Atlantic Institute). Diffuse Ylang-ylang's essential oil for a soothing fragrance that's bound to lift your mood.

Lavender

I'll admit it: I'm obsessed with this beautiful little purple bloom. Not only does it smell amazing, but studies indicate it can lower anxiety and aid in sleeping. That's a win, win, win in our book! Diffuse lavender essential oils or just place a few fresh sprigs under your pillow to create a restful ambience.

4: Mood-Boosting Music

Looking for some tunes to boost your mood? Check out these super talented artists guaranteed to add some pep to that step.

Vampire Weekend

Travel back to Vampire Weekend's first two albums for fast-paced, fun vibes with percussion that makes you want to moooove. And sure, you might find yourself dancing in your living room, but don't you sweat it. Everyone's got to let loose once in a while.

Fleet Foxes

If you're looking for something a bit more chill, check out the mellow notes of Fleet Foxes. Complex melodies rub elbows with pitch-perfect lyrics in their latest release, Crack-Up. But you don't have to stay there. Head on back to their first album for more folk-meets-indie splendor.

I'm from Barcelona

This quirky band is not from Barcelona, but they might as well be. Enjoy a one-of-a-kind mix of zany lyrics with pop, chorus-infused tunes. But be warned: their catchy rifs might get stuck in your head for days.

But if you're not in the mood for a single artist? Try Spotify's Mood Booster Playlist.

5: Mood-Boosting Bath Bombs

Relaxing in a warm, aromatic bath is pretty much the best way to unwind from the day's stress. Hot water not only feels great but actually helps tight muscles relax.

Grab a natural bath bomb for a little added fizz. Natural, organic essential oils like chamomile flowers, eucalyptus leaves, sage leaves, and comfrey root, alleviate tired muscles and moisturize skin.

After that, pair your soothing soak with a tall glass of wine and some soy candles, and you're on your way to a blissful evening in. (For best results, get someone to watch the kids for a few hours).

6: Mood-Boosting Podcasts

Black Girl In Om

This podcast is a warm embrace, soothing realness, and conscious girl talk. Black Girl In Om exists to hold and heal black womxn and womxn of color around the world on their unique wellness journeys, mending us from the inside out. Come into the conversation with our founder, Lauren Ash and wellness and Spirit-centered guests across various industries to talk all things self-care and self-love, spiritual awakening, intergenerational healing, and more.

The Wellness Mama

The Wellness Mama Podcast is a weekly series covering the topics of holistic health, real food, stress, sleep, fitness, toxins, natural living, DIY, parenting, motherhood. It's all about giving you the health tips you need to make actionable solutions to improve your family’s life!

Forever 35

On Forever35, LA-based writers and friends Doree Shafrir and Kate Spencer dive into the self-care practices that we all text our friends about — from which serums they’re using right now and whether drugstore mascara is as good as the fancy stuff, to finding a great therapist, navigating the challenges of friendship, and what they’re making for dinner.

No topic is off-limits, and Doree and Kate get into it with humor, honesty, and authenticity, along with guests like Samin Nosrat, Aminatou Sow, Nicole Byer, Elizabeth Gilbert, and Alie Ward. As Real Simple put it, “Listening to them chat is like eavesdropping on two great people you’d love to be bffs with.

Office Ladies

The Office co-stars and best friends, Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey, are doing the ultimate The Office re-watch podcast for you. Each week Jenna and Angela will break down an episode of The Office and give exclusive behind the scene stories that only two people who were there, can tell you.

Asking for a Friend

Each week, fashion designer, NYT bestselling author and lifestyle expert, Lauren Conrad will host a variety of experts for candid conversations on everything from life, love, and business!

Whether it’s the ideal seven-minute morning beauty regimen, how to snap that perfect IG-worthy flat lay or tips for tricking party guests into believing you’re a gourmet chef, Conrad’s guests will offer listeners tips for quickly navigating a Pinterest-obsessed world, as well as offering a healthy dose of reality. Because life isn’t always about knowing how to do everything perfectly yourself; it’s about knowing the people who do!

The Good Ancestor Podcast

Join New York Times best selling author and public speaker Layla Saad as she explores what it means to be a good ancestor. She'll interview change-makers, innovators, authors, and culture-shapers as she grapples with life's biggest questions.

A Way With Words

A Way with Words is a fun and funny radio show and podcast about language. Co-hosts Martha Barnette and Grant Barrett talk with callers from around the world about linguistics, slang, new words, jokes, riddles, word games, grammar, old sayings, word origins, regional dialects, family expressions, books, literature, folklore, and speaking and writing well.

We hope this list helps you find some joy and inspiration! Did you find any of these ideas particularly helpful? Leave us a comment and tell us what you thought!

Warm mugs of coffee and air-fives,

Jenny