Sneaky tiredness— cured

Dragging even though allergy season is over? You may have nonallergic rhinitis, which causes postnasal drip that can leave you tired, hoarse and coughing. Thankfully, these science-backed strategies restore energy fast

Curl up with a romance

Ever notice you get stuffed-up when you’re anxious? European researchers proved that sneezing, dripping and congestion increase with stress. The quick fix: curling up with a novel! Researchers at the University of Sussex in England found that spending just 6 minutes reading for pleasure lowers stress levels by a whopping 68%. “Losing ourselves in a book stimulates creativity in the brain, resulting in an almost altered state that significantly reduces stress,” explains Michelle Schoffro Cook, PH.D., D.N.M., author of Allergy-proof Your Life.

Try a pepper spray

Not only do most allergy sprays not work for nonallergic rhinitis, if used for more than a few days, they can actually make symptoms worse by causing “rebound congestion,” according to the Mayo Clinic. To the rescue: a spray powered by compounds derived from the pepper plant. “All-natural capsaicin quickly tamps down the inflammation in the nasal passageways and sinuses,” explains Schoffro Cook. And according to a new study in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 74% of folks who used it reduced congestion and sneezing in under two minutes. Bonus: It tamps down headaches too! Try: Sinol-m All-natural Nasal Spray (Swansonvitamins.com).

Touch your nose

Acupuncture and its cousin, acupressure, have been used for millennia to treat congestion. And now a German study shows they slash nonallergic rhinitis symptoms by 56% by regulating inflammation compounds ( cytokines) linked to congestion. To do: Smile, then place an index finger to the side of each nostril, where the nose and face meet. Relax your face and massage in gentle circles for 60 seconds. —Katherine Kluznik