BOOST YOUR ENERGY IN A MINUTE OR LESS

1. Pour some peppermint tea

According to a study published in the

Psychology, North American Journal of sniffing peppermint helped reduce fatigue while driving. Researchers have also found that those who drink peppermint tea are more alert and complete mental tasks faster.

2. Open the blinds

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

3. Take a few deep breaths

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

4. Chew a piece of sugar-free gum

It’s not exactly clear why, but numerous studies have shown that chewing gum increases alertness. Even before science confirmed it, during World War I, American soldiers were issued gum to help them focus.

5. Sing along to a song

Listening to music can increase levels of happy chemicals such as serotonin and oxytocin—and belting out lyrics makes you breathe deeper and take in more oxygen, boosting your energy.