A Quick Pick-Me-Up

Author: Jackie Silver, author of Aging Backwards: Secrets to Staying Young

Sometimes, taking just a few minutes during the day for a quick pick-me-up can re-energize and rejuvenate you. Studies show that chronic stress not only ages you prematurely, but it also contributes to many health problems, including headache, chest pain, backache, stomach upset, sleep problems, weight gain or loss, high blood pressure, fatigue and more. Try these quick pick-me-ups during the day to de-stress.

• Do deep breathing. Try taking a deep breath, holding it for a count of five and then exhaling for a count of seven. Repeat this pattern for about five minutes.

• Try a cool spritz. Keep a bottle of your favorite light cologne in the fridge. Whenever you need an instant refresher, give yourself a cold spray.

• Use ear plugs. We’re constantly exposed to noise pollution. Whether it’s the chatter of other people on their cell phones, babies crying, construction equipment or airplanes flying overhead, all that noise can be stressful. Try using ear plugs to block out the world.

• Relax your jaw. Many people unconsciously clench their teeth and jaws when they’re stressed out and that can lead to a variety of ailments including headaches and neck pain. Try massaging the jaw muscles just below your ears, behind your jaw bone.

• Sniff peppermint or cinnamon. Studies have shown that smelling peppermint or cinnamon can actually make you more alert.

So, if you find your energy lagging during the day or you’re stressed out, try these tips for a quick pick-me-up.