7 Mood-Enhancing Drinks To Improve Your Day

Life is full of ups and downs, and many times, circumstances that impact your mood are out of your control. Fortunately, there are ways to naturally boost your frame of mind, even on the toughest days. In this article, we’ll explore 7 mood-enhancing drinks that research suggests can lift your spirits, calm your mind, and help you feel more like yourself again. Let’s dive in so you can feel your best year-round.

7 Drinks for a Better Mood: From Nootropics to Coffee

If you need a natural mood-booster, here are 7 drinks to try for a more positive outlook on life: 

1. Coffee

Do you ever crave a warm cup of coffee when you’re having a hard day? There’s a reason for that. Caffeine blocks adenosine receptors in the brain, which are neurotransmitters that cause tiredness. Consequently, caffeine leads to increased activity of mood-boosting chemicals, such as dopamine, in key areas of the brain. The result is an increased positive outlook after sipping a cup of coffee in the morning. 

A European study involving 236 men found that caffeine provided mood benefits for all participants. In a Scientific Reports article, researchers found that caffeine intake was typically followed by a slight to moderate mood increase, especially when consumed within the first 2.5 hours after waking up. 

Although coffee is a mood-boosting drink, it’s best to consume it in moderation. Some individuals, particularly those more sensitive to caffeine, experience caffeine “jitters,” increased anxiety, or sleep disturbances when consuming coffee in high doses or late in the day. If you want to try coffee for a more positive mood, drink it in the morning and in moderation for optimal results. 

2. Kombucha

Kombucha has gained massive popularity over recent years, especially for health gurus and those passionate about the mind-body connection. With a sweet, fizzy taste and made from bacteria, yeast, sugar, and tea, kombucha is a common, healthier alternative to soda. 

The primary benefit of kombucha is for your gut. Similar to other fermented foods, kombucha is rich in probiotics, and these probiotic bacteria are similar to the bacteria in your gut. Probiotic bacteria can help the body maintain a thriving community of microorganisms in the gut. In turn, a healthy community of microorganisms can enhance the production of mood-boosting neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine.

Research shows that consuming probiotic-rich beverages and food can positively impact mental health. However, these studies don’t specify whether kombucha can have that effect specifically. Nonetheless, kombucha promotes a stronger gut-brain connection, which can lead to a better mood and increased alertness. 

3. Green Tea

Green tea offers numerous benefits, from protecting teeth against decay to potentially reducing the risk of blood clots. This superfood also helps boost mood and ease stress. It contains L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes relaxation by increasing alpha brain wave activity. L-theanine also helps balance the stimulating effects of caffeine present in the tea, resulting in a calmer and more focused state. By improving cognitive function and concentration, it’s no wonder that green tea is a mood-enhancing drink that many people enjoy. 

Matcha is a type of powdered Japanese green tea commonly consumed for its mood-boosting properties. In addition to L-theanine, it is also rich in antioxidants, which support cardiovascular health and improve cholesterol levels. 

4. Nootropics

Nootropics are a diverse range of ingredients that people use to help improve brain function, including memory, attention, and mood. These substances were first used by chess players and competitive gamers, but are now being utilized by a range of individuals for healthier living and an enhanced mind-body connection. 

Several ingredients are classified as nootropics, but here are the best nootropics for mood: 

L-Theanine, as stated previously, is an amino acid found in tea leaves. When ingested, L-theanine boosts levels of serotonin, dopamine, and GABA, a neurotransmitter that plays a role in regulating brain activity and maintaining balance. Increasing levels of these neurotransmitters lead to relaxation, a better mood, increased alertness, and deeper sleep. L-theanine also lowers levels of “excitatory” brain chemicals, thereby reducing the levels of brain chemicals associated with stress and anxiety. Additionally, L-theanine boosts alpha brain waves, which are present during REM sleep and initiate the state of mind you experience during meditation or creativity. 

Caffeine blocks adenosine, a brain chemical that promotes drowsiness and is commonly linked to depression and anxiety. By blocking this chemical, caffeine increases dopamine levels and improves your mood. 

Saffron Extract is a concentrated form of saffron, which is a spice taken from the dried stigmas of the Crocus sativus flower. Saffron extract possesses potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may contribute to its antidepressant effects by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, thereby helping to naturally enhance your mood. A clinical trial found that taking 30mg of saffron extract daily for 8 weeks helped boost mood and emotional well-being in healthy adults who felt mildly stressed or down. They reported feeling less depressed and improved social connections. 

When purchasing nootropics, look for these ingredients to experience their mood-boosting ability. Wavi COMPETE, a nootropic drink for mood enhancement and other benefits, includes these scientifically backed ingredients and more to help you feel better and perform at your best. With an NSF Certified for Sport® certification, Wavi COMPETE is trusted by athletes, students, and professionals alike who want to stay sharp, energized, and focused—without the crash.

5. Dark Chocolate Hot Cocoa

Dark chocolate isn’t only a sweet treat to enjoy—it’s a healthy ingredient that can boost your mood, among other benefits. Cocoa contains flavonoids, and research shows that flavonoids can help improve brain health and enhance cognitive function. It’s also known to boost serotonin levels, helping you feel uplifted and ready to take on your day. 

Cocoa also contains small levels of caffeine, which improves brain function in the short term and leads to a better mood. Sip a dark chocolate hot cocoa the next time you feel down and see how it instantly lifts your spirits. 

6. Tart Cherry Juice

Tart cherry juice is extremely rich in antioxidants, including vitamin A, iron, magnesium, potassium, and more. If sleep is the cause of your poor mood, cherry juice can also help with that. Tart cherries contain melatonin, a hormone that regulates your sleep-wake cycle and is often utilized to treat insomnia. While the amount of melatonin in tart cherry juice isn’t enough to treat insomnia, there are additional components in the fruit that lead to better sleep and, therefore, an enhanced mood. 

Tart cherries contain trace amounts of tryptophan, an amino acid that’s converted into serotonin, which is responsible for boosting your mood and regulating sleep. Serotonin can potentially be converted into melatonin in the body. 

One study showed that people with insomnia who drank 16 oz of tart cherry juice for 2 weeks increased their sleep time by an average of 84 minutes. 

If you need a citrusy mood-enhancing drink that also improves your sleep, tart cherry juice is worth a try. 

7. Jasmine Tea

Jasmine tea can be another mood-enhancing drink for some individuals. The aroma of jasmine is known to promote relaxation and activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for positive emotions and overall happiness. The compound linalool in jasmine tea is associated with deep relaxation and can help lower heart rate, promoting a calm state of mind. However, for some people, the smell is too strong and they won’t experience the mood-boosting effects of the tea. 

Try a Mood-Enhancing Nootropic Drink for Boosted Well-Being

The drinks outlined in our article are natural mood boosters, ranging from Jasmine green tea to a nootropics blend that enhances cognitive function. Whether you’re having a hard day or simply want to feel better before a workout or intense study session, these mood-enhancing drinks are the perfect addition to your day. 

For those who want additional benefits beyond a positive mood, Wavi COMPETE can help increase happiness, along with focus, memory, and attention, during high-performance situations. Purchase Wavi COMPETE to uplevel your mood and fuel brain health.