If you’re anything like us, the first few days of January mark the start of a fresh diary or journal. Keeping a diary can be a useful tool when it comes to your mental health but sticking to the routine of daily reflection isn’t always as easy as it seems. So, to help us stay motivated this year, we reached out to nutritionist Malissa Fedele—to share the 5 top tips that she herself implements in her day-to-day routine to promote good mental health and well-being. Whether you’re looking for ways to fill in those empty pages or build better realistic goals for the year ahead, these tips will help support a stronger/healthier you! 

Before we get into our tips, it’s important to note the value of creating realistic resolutions. We’ve all been there. It’s February, frustration hits and we return back to old habits. So, start the year by setting goals that you know you can ease into your daily routine so you can reach bigger and better outcomes! 

TIP ONE: START OFF ON THE RIGHT FOOT 

Whether you’re a morning person or a night owl, starting each day on a positive note sets the tone for the rest of your day. Develop a morning routine that works for you by including meditation and positive affirmation, fixing your bed or having a cold shower. Doing one positive action in the morning can lead to a more positive attitude and outlook. Do what works for you and find a routine that brings you joy, and stick to it. 

TIP TWO: PRACTICE DAILY JOURNALLING 

Journaling has so many proven benefits for your mental health and well-being. It can calm anxiety, improve memory and focus, support a positive and happy mood, assist in achieving goals and help you feel grateful. If you want to get out of your head in 2023 it’s time to start a regular journal practice. The good thing about journaling is that you can make it whatever you want it to be. You can write as little or as much as you like, and it all still counts. Ever since I started journaling, not only has this helped me so much with my anxious thoughts, but I feel so much more connected to myself and what is happening in my life. This is truly a step I hope everyone adopts this year because it has been life-changing for me. 

TIP THREE: EAT YOUR GREENS

Every day, it is important to make a conscious effort to nourish your body from the inside out. The foods we eat on a daily basis play a huge role in how we think, feel and act. Greens are such a wholesome and delicious nutrient-dense food that nourishes and cleanses our bodies. If you struggle to eat greens, I suggest having the Happy Way Super Greens Powder at least once per day. I personally do this and find that it helps me stay healthy and happy. 

TIP FOUR: MOVE YOUR BODY 

Movement is crucial and the best way to support not just your physical health but your mental health. When it comes to exercising, it can be difficult to stick to a good routine, so my suggestions here are:

• Find a type of exercise you find fun. If a conventional gym isn't for you, that doesn't mean exercise isn't either. You can do pretty much anything, and there is a class for almost everything. Pilates, yoga, dancing, athletics, team sports, rowing—you name it, there is something for everyone!
• Schedule your classes into your calendar as you would for an important meeting. Get out of the mindset of “I'll see how I feel” and just make a commitment to yourself that on the days you have booked a class, you will show up and try your best.
• If you are lacking energy, try the Happy Way Pre-workout and/or BCAA powders. They will give you a boost of energy and fuel your workout. 

TIP FIVE: BE KIND TO YOURSELF & OTHERS 

Talk to yourself like someone you love, and stop making “funny” backhanded insults to yourself or your appearance. Your mind believes everything you say, so make sure it's kind. Also, avoid gossip and engaging in negative conversations (especially about other people). This can be a bit of a vortex and leave you feeling super flat and seeing everything in a really negative light. Disengage from these conversations and if you don't have kind things to say about yourself or others, find something more fun and positive to talk about. This year, have conversations about your goals, ambitions, and the things you love. It will make a huge difference to your mindset and mood. 

At Happy Way, we understand the new year resolution struggle, so we hope these tips and recommendations from Malissa will help promote a stronger/healthier you in 2023.