Stay holiday happier with the surprise energy drink!

Think you can’t get any happier during the holiday season when you get to spend time with folks you love, eat delicious foods and exchange gifts? Think again! These easy, study-proven ways will make you even cheerier!

1Reboot your energy with a candy cane!

If you’re getting up earlier and staying up later to fit in more holiday fun, you’ll enjoy it all even more if you suck a candy cane, sip a cup of peppermint tea or sniff a sprig of fresh mint at the first sign of fatigue! Numerous studies prove any form of peppermint makes you rarin’ to go again in seconds! ■ It works! Peppermint’s aroma contains natural compounds that, when absorbed by membranes in your nose and mouth, activate brain areas that wake you up! Practice random acts of kindness, too! Doing a good deed, such as tossing change into a charity collection box or giving a neighbor a lift to the mall, revs your self-esteem, which, in turn, revs your joy, enthusiasm and overall energy, reveals a new study in the journal Emotion.

2Stay merry and bright with mineral water!

Before heading to any festivities, grab a bottle of sparkling mineral water, Gatorade or another beverage that contains a bit of salt. Take regular sips— and you’re sure to stay merry! ■ It works! Forgetting to drink enough fluid causes mild dehydration (so mild you don’t even notice it), which is a top cause of the blahs! Regularly drinking— especially if it’s something with a pinch of salt— acts as an all-natural mood regulator to keep you upbeat, University of Iowa research shows.

On a low-salt diet? Drink juice!

A cup of purple grape or blueberry juice ups your joy instantly! The flavonoids in both rev blood flow to the brain and lower inflammation, two keys to preventing the blues.

3Rev positivity by looking at a smile!

Anytime you feel frazzled, take a second to gaze at someone smiling—for example, a child on Santa’s lap— and you’ll start smiling just as joyfully, too! ■ It works! Brain scans show that seeing someone else’s happy face lights up your brain’s happiness centers, too! Why? We’re wired to match the emotions of people around us to enhance our feelings of connectedness and caring. So, simply seeing someone who’s happy sends your happiness soaring, too!

Daydreaming works, too!

Recalling a happy past event, say, how overjoyed you were to get the bike you longed for on Christmas morning, releases the same excited emotions all over again!

4Make your holiday spirit soar by baking!

Being active (baking holiday cookies counts!) lifts happiness right away and helps keep it high through to the next day! ■ It works! Physical activity (even when it’s fun and easy!) boosts circulation, ensuring that every cell in your body gets lots of energizing oxygen and nutrients.

And build a snowman!

A massive study of 7,272 adults shows connecting with nature whisks away irritability, making life seem brighter and more satisfying! Nature’s vastness and beauty help put everyday annoyances into perspective and make you feel as if you’re part of something truly grand!

5Enjoy holiday shopping more with Christmas carols!

Love the thrill of searching for the perfect present—but not the crowds of shoppers? Lessen the stress by paying close attention to the carols piped through the store— or don earbuds and listen to them on your phone or Mp3 player— and the store will feel less crowded!

It works! Holiday music tames activity in neurons that regulate perception of personal space, making it seem as if you’ve got plenty of room, even in tight places!

And nod along!

Bob your head along to the music, and you’ll feel happier as you shop! We subconsciously link nods with positive messages like “You’re right!”, which triggers a rise in mood-lifting brain chemicals!