60-SECOND FIXES

Boost your energy in a minute or less

1

Drink peppermint tea According to researchers, people who drink peppermint tea are more alert and complete mental tasks faster.

2

Open the blinds Exposing yourself to natural sunlight, especially when you wake up, can help suppress melatonin, the chemical in your body that makes you sleepy.

3

Take deep breaths When you’re stressed, it’s natural to breathe shallowly, which can decrease the amount of oxygen that reaches your cells. To counteract that, try breathing in through your nose for four seconds, holding your breath for four seconds, then slowly exhaling for four seconds.

4

Chew gum Though it’s not exactly clear why, numerous studies have shown that chewing (sugar-free) gum increases alertness. Even before science confirmed it, during WWI, American soldiers were issued gum to help them focus.

5

Sing a song Listening to music can increase levels of happy chemicals like serotonin and oxytocin – and belting out lyrics makes you breathe deeper and take in more oxygen, boosting your energy.