I know, I know, you’ve heard this a gazillion times and this might not be what you want to hear, but what you eat does make a difference in how you feel, including mentally.

Some foods, like high amounts of sugar and refined carbohydrates, give you energy and make you feel better in the short-term, but cause an energy crash, after which you might notice a worse mood.

When it comes to eating right, you want to focus on balance and proper nutrients. Not being on a restrictive diet, but just trying to get in more complex carbs, whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and lean protein.

Make your own diet plan. Figure out what foods affect your mood and energy level and take note. If you feel good, your mood is right, and you have enough energy to propel you through whatever you need to do, then make note and eat those foods again.

Of course, the same goes for foods that you eat that worsen your mood or drag down your energy. Make note of those and avoid those foods in the future.

Write down what you eat and how you feel a couple of hours after your meal. You’ll need to do this for awhile but it won’t take long to figure out which foods are serving you best.