12 healthy habits to MAKE YOU HAPPIER

Feeling a bit flat? Elevate your mood and wellbeing throughout the day with these expert tips

- TANYA PEAREY

FIRST THING

Set yourself up for a happy and enjoyable day

1 Take a peppermint shower The uplifting and invigorating scent of peppermint is an instant mood booster. Try Faith In Nature Mint Body, Wash, £4.33 for 400ml, Waitrose.

2 Be grateful Take three minutes every morning as you brush your teeth to list the things in your life you're grateful for. Practising gratitude has been shown to help elevate mood.

3 Supercharge your breakfast with an egg Eggs are a real nutritional powerhouse. 'Not only are they quick, easy and versatile to cook with, they're packed with vitamin D and zinc for immunity, B vitamins for energy release, magnesium for mood, and the powerful antioxidant selenium,' says dietician Dr Carrie Ruxton. 'Eggs contain unsaturated fats, which are better for the brain, plus a unique compound called choline, which plays an important role in regulating memory and mood.'

4 Snack on natural yogurt

It will give your body a protein boost while helping regulate mood, thanks to the relationship between our gut and mental health. 'Eating more probiotics and fermented foods, such as kimchi, sourdough bread, sauerkraut and natural yogurt, can all help promote a healthy and happy microbiome, and have a positive effect on the mood,' says Lola Biggs, dietician at Together Health.

5 Have mini movement breaks