If you’ve been snapping at those close to you lately, or feel thrown off by small disruptions in your day, like missing the express train, someone stealing your car park, or forgetting your keep cup – it may be time for a breather. One of the simplest, healthiest ways to overcome a case of the blues is to give yourself a little love. Here are four ways you can give back to yourself.

Exercise – in the morning:
It’s been said time and time again, exercise in the morning will set you up to feel positive, accomplished and motivated. Not only does morning exercise have the best effect on your body, it also improves the functionality of your brain for the rest of the day, not to mention those mood boosting endorphins. Morning workouts increase focus and leave time for other priorities for the rest of the day.

Meditation:
Mediation experts say just 20 minutes of meditation can equate to four hours deep sleep for the brain and body. Meditation can not only help restore your calm, balance and inner peace, but it is a practice accessible to anyone, anywhere. It’s simple and inexpensive, and it doesn’t require any special equipment. Meditation can benefit both your emotional well-being and your overall health.

Create a vision board:
Vision boards are based on the law of attraction. The idea that you can attract anything you want in life, if you manifest it with your thoughts. For example, if you put positive mental energy into the universe, you’ll be the recipient of positive outcomes.

Vision boards can be used to inspire and help you focus on your goals and empower you to create the life you dream about. They can also help to align your values with your everyday actions.

According to the popular book The Secret, “The law of attraction is forming your entire life experience and it is doing that through your thoughts. When you are visualizing, you are emitting a powerful frequency out into the universe.”

Your vision board should focus on how you want to feel, not just on things that you want to have or do in your life.

Eat right:
Serotonin, the “feel-good” hormone, is made in the gut so what you put in your body will impact your gut health and ultimately, your mood. Serotonin levels can be increased by the amino acid tryptophan, so why not try some of these tryptophan-boosting foods:

o Tofu: Soy products are rich sources of tryptophan. You can substitute tofu for pretty much any protein, in pretty much any recipe, making it an excellent source of tryptophan for vegetarians and vegans.

o Seeds and nuts: All nuts and seeds contain tryptophan. Some studies show, simply eating a handful of nuts a day can not only help boost your mood, but also lower your risk for cancer and heart disease.

o Spinach: Dark, leafy greens, such as spinach, are a fantastic source of tryptophan. Spinach is also a good source of iron and a lack of iron in the diet can lead to anaemia, low energy, and has been linked to depression.

Next time you’re feeling low, lacking energy, motivation or inspiration,
try some of these mood boosting tips, and you’re sure to be on track in no time.