We all need a little happiness boosting when life gets the best of us. Between busy schedules, heavy workloads and social commitments it’s easy to get run down and forget to incorporate self-care into our daily routines. From eating well to daydreaming, keep this list handy when you are in need of uplifting inspiration.
1. Do One Fun Thing a Day
It’s easy to get caught up in our busy weekly routines that we forget to throw a little fun into the mix. Try incorporating something you enjoy doing every day; it can be something as simple as listening to a comedy podcast instead of the radio, or get out of your breakfast rut and whip up something special (and nutritious!) like these Brain Power Egg & Blueberry Pancakes.
2. Get Organized
When you’re organized, a lot of things on that nagging to-do list feel less daunting, which in turn puts your mind at ease. Write down appointments in that planner you have been meaning to use, take ten minutes to put laundry away, and plan ahead meals as much as possible. Try this brain-boosting recipe for Can’t “Beet” It Bowls (much of it can be prepped in bulk for a week’s worth of lunch!) and top with vitamin-rich Eggland’s Best eggs.
3. Eat Foods High in Omega 3’s and Vitamin B12
Keep your mood lifted by giving your body the essential brain nutrients it needs: Omega-3s and vitamin B12. Omega-3 essential fatty acids are one of the basic building blocks of the brain, while vitamin B12 helps to keep you alert and energized, and Eggland’s Best eggs have more than double the amount of both compared to ordinary eggs.
4. Get Outside
Aim for time outdoors every day, even if you only have 15 minutes to slip away from your desk. Spending a short amount of time in sunlight gives you a boost of Vitamin D, which everyone needs optimal levels of to thwart depression and elevate mood. No time for sun today? Reach for an Eggland’s Best egg, which contains 6 times more Vitamin D than ordinary eggs.
5. Detox Digitally
Neck pain from looking down at your phone? Strained eyes from staring at a computer for hours on end? It’s probably not realistic to completely shut off, but try making sensible goals towards cutting back on screen time. Turn off the T.V and read a book before bed, or make in-person plans with a friend instead of texting to catch up.
6. Look Forward
If you know you have a busy week ahead, take some time Sunday night to make plans to have something to look forward to. Whether it’s a dinner date with your spouse or booking a spot in your favorite yoga class, mid-week plans help to break an otherwise mundane week.
7. Talk It Out
It’s easy to get caught up in day-to-day activities that we forget to make time to connect with the important people in our lives. Make time for a mid-day coffee date with a friend, or maybe your mood boost is only a phone call (or FaceTime) away!
8. Day Dream
Reminisce about a time you felt pure happiness, or research a place you have always wanted to travel to, even if you don’t have plans to vacation just yet. The mere act of visualizing yourself on a tropical beach can lift your spirits. A recent study was conducted about happiness and vacations, and researchers found that looking forward to a vacation gave people as much happiness as the vacation itself.
9. Practice Gratitude
What do you feel #blessed for in your life? According to a Harvard researcher, “Something as simple as writing down three things you’re grateful for every day for 21 days in a row significantly increases your level of optimism, and it holds for the next six months. The research is amazing.” A simple habit with significant results, sign us up!
10. Up Your Protein
Consuming sufficient protein throughout the day can stave off those feelings of a sugar crash, such as feeling irritable, shaky and tired. High-quality proteins such as Eggland’s Best eggs also “provides amino acids that act as building blocks for making neurotransmitters that play an integral role in stabilizing mood”. Try starting your day off with a healthy dose of protein using this simple recipe to keep you full until lunch using Eggland’s Best eggs - Omega-3 Burrito