Did you know that the omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil (EPA and DHA) can improve your mood more than anti-depressants?! It’s true. Even for the little mood swings, you can take omega 3 fish oil daily and feel happier. 

What’s the story on omega-3s? 

Most Western diets no longer give you the right balance of omega 3s and omega 6s. Instead you get too many omega 6s (from soy and oils in processed foods) and almost no omega 3s. The lack of omega 3s is linked to depression. Looking at cultures where people eat lots of fish, tells the story…

Two studies in the U.S. showed depression in 3.7% and 2.9% of the population studied, while two studies in Japan showed depression in only 0.9% and 0% of the subjects. The intake of DHA and EPA in the Japanese studies was 1.5 grams per day and 4.2 grams per day, while in the U.S. the average intake was estimated to be only 1 gram per day. Yikes!

Omega 3s Great for the Little Mood Swings  Too

Many studies show that omega-3 deficiency is linked to major psychological problems. Other studies — like one recently published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry — show that omega-3s  are as good as, if not better than, anti-depressants in fighting depression. 

Still other studies, like one at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, show that omega 3s benefit everyone’s psychological health, right down to daily mood swings! 

Need a Lift? Try These 10 Easy Tricks To Boost Your Mood, starting with…you guessed it!

#1. Take a daily dose of omega3 fish oil. 450-500 mg per day of combined EPA/DHA is a good place to start. We recommend fish oil capsules or a flax-based oil blend. 

#2. Eat a balanced breakfast daily. It should include fist-size portion of lean protein, thumb-size portion of healthy fats (like pure fish oil), and a fist-size portion of unprocessed carbs. Your metabolism will be jump-started so your brain (which impacts your emotions) stays fueled and your blood sugar stays stable. The best breakfast is a natural whey protein shake.  

#3. Focus on what you say “Yes” to.  Attitude is huge when it comes to being happy. Try to focus on what you say “yes” to instead of what you say “no” to. Instead of  “no, I don’t want cookies,” try: “Yes, I want a delicious banana protein shake!” Now you get to focus what you do get to enjoy!

#4. Get enough sleep. Shut-eye recharges the body on all levels, including metabolic, endocrine, immune and emotional.

#5. Appreciate what you have. Take a moment every day to think about or write down three things that you love in your life. 

#6. Make room for playtime. Do things you love every day, activities that bring out the kid in you. They’ll bring you laughter, hope, and something to look forward to. 

#7. Do nice things for other people. Even if they only take a second, like a wave or a smile or a “good job” or an “I love you.” 

#8. Stay hydrated. Your body needs water for almost everything, and when you don’t have enough, you feel crabby and irritable. 

#9. Get active. Heard of runner’s high? Exercise causes our brains to release endorphins that make us feel happy.  Even walking can help (and for those of you who hate to walk, shopping!).

#10. Smile. According to the British paper The Observer, British government science advisor Professor Jane Plant says that ‘Smiling is a way of tricking your brain into thinking that everything’s OK, even if it’s not.’ Why? Moving smile muscles causes the release of endorphins. 

Want to feel happier? Start with omega 3 fish oil at EnergyFirst.com…

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