Three Ways to Feel Better in 2020

When the new year rolls around we seem to get fixated on making resolutions, goals and often times they become difficult to maintain.

We push them aside, put them off and sometimes completely forget about them.

That is why I am more inclined to set new years intentions. I believe once you put them out into the world, you have planted the seed and they are destined to come true!

For 2020, my intentions are:

1. To live out my purpose
2. To help others in any way that I can
3. To be the best version of myself

If we stop trying to do everything, we give ourselves the power to focus on one thing (or in my case three). These small intentions have a big impact on my overall wellbeing, and I’m excited to put them into existence.

Here are a few things you can implement to start “feeling better”, in whatever way that works for you.

1. Get more movement.

Shifting your scenery and going on long walks can do wonders for your mental health and physical health. If you’re feeling stuck, switch up your workspace, move to a different location, and get outdoors.

2. Have more fun.

If you’re like me, my schedule is planned out. Running the kids to school, meeting with vendors, it can seem like there are not enough hours in the day! While I love my job, it’s so important to do things that are fun to me to try and keep a balance. Whether it’s hanging out with my sister, trying out a new yoga class I try to schedule them so I don’t let the time pass without doing something for me!

3. Get out of your breakfast rut.

Our routines can sometimes be detrimental to our goals. Are you waking up and checking your email? Eating the same, quick and easy processed breakfast? This will affect how you feel. Don’t forget you’ve got options! One healthy breakfast I am loving for winter is my power oat breakfast bowl. Filling, warming, satiating. I am full for hours!

Try it out for yourself! It comes together in a pinch, and you can double or triple it for the whole family.

Power Oat Breakfast Bowl (serves 1)

Ingredients:

• ¾ cup of cooked steel-cut oats (cook 1 cup of steel-cut oats according to packaged instructions)
• 2½- 3 cups of almond milk or any milk of your choice (to cook 1 cup of steel-cut oats in)
• 1 tsp. ground flax seed
• 1 tsp. LIVA date sugar
• ¼ tsp. cinnamon
• ¼ medium banana sliced
• 2 tsp. unsalted pumpkin seeds
• 1 tbsp. toasted slivered almonds
• 1 tbsp. pomegranate arils
• 1/4 tsp. vanilla extract 

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, add milk of your choice or water. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. To cook steel cut oats you will need about 2.5 cups to 3 cups of liquid for 1 cup of steel-cut oats.
2. Stir the oats into the simmering the liquid mixture. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer gently for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is very thick.
3. Place ¾ of cooked oats into a bowl, stir in ground flax, cinnamon, and vanilla.
4. Top oatmeal with sliced bananas, slivered almonds, pumpkin seeds, and pomegranate arils and enjoy!
5. Store remaining cooked steel cut oats in the fridge for up to 5 days.
6. You can make the steel cut oats ahead of time, great to make a batch on Sunday to have during the week.

*Tip: make it a family affair, and have everyone customize the bowl with their favourite toppings!

Check out more LIVA recipes here.