These 60-Second Tricks Will Boost Your Health and Mood in a Flash

Even struggle to stay focused during the day? Or do you have problems fighting tiredness and fatigue? We have good news! It doesn’t take a lot of time or effort to combat those and boost well-being. These tricks will boost your happiness quickly.

Tame tiredness by sniffing rosemary.

The perennial herb that gives fall stews and roasts a delicious peppery flavor is a quick fix for sluggishness. A new study in the journal Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice shows that taking just a few whiffs of rosemary’s scent increases alertness by 37 percent and reduces drowsiness by 32 percent. Researchers credit unique aromatic compounds, which trigger the release of stimulating beta brain waves that restore your pep.

Or adjust the thermostat! Turning down the heat doesn’t just save you cash: A slightly cooler indoor temperature also increases mental energy by up to 89 percent, say scientists reporting in Indoor Air. The body produces less fatiguing carbon dioxide in chillier temperatures, helping you think faster and more sharply.

Boost focus with a sip of water.

Love curling up on the couch with a good book on a blustery day? While you’re relaxing, keep a glass of water by your side and take five sips every 20 minutes or so. This simple trick makes it significantly easier to focus on what you’re reading, according to new research from the UK’s University of East London. Investigators say adding moisture to your tongue makes your mouth more comfortable, which spurs the release of focus-enhancing dopamine. Bonus: University of Illinois scientists say upping your water intake by at least a cup a day trims 205 calories from your daily diet.

Or think inside the box! When working on a task that requires attention to detail—say, drafting your holiday budget— move to a smaller area (like your laundry room) or a room with a lower ceiling (like your basement). Sounds wacky, but a more confined space prompts your brain to focus harder on the nitty-gritty, making these types of to-do’s easier, found a study in the Journal of Consumer Research.

Sleep deeper by silencing your phone.

Sure, keeping your ringer off helps prevent overnight wake-ups. But for even better sleep, silence your phone or tuck it away 30 minutes before bed. This helps you doze off 12 minutes faster, clock 18 minutes more sleep and enjoy higher-quality slumber, according to a new study in PLOS ONE. The alerts and constantly updated content on smartphones ramp up stress hormone release, but putting the phone down a half hour before bed allows those hormone levels to plummet so you can relax.

Or apply moisturizer! Polish scientists say dry, itchy skin keeps you from unwinding, causing you to toss and turn at night. But applying lotion calms skin and gets you up to 78 percent better-quality Zzzs.

Lift spirits by grabbing a spoon.

The simple way to experience up to 52 percent more happiness from your favorite fall activities: Do them a little differently. For example, instead of tucking into a slice of pumpkin pie with a fork, eat it with a spoon. Changing your habits just a little reignites the magic of the first time you enjoyed the experience by giving you a fresh perspective on it, say Ohio State University researchers.

Or extend an invite! Ask a friend to join you on a coffee run, and you’ll have more fun, found a University of Rochester study. Seeing her smile intensifies the pleasure you get from the activity!

Dodge viruses by turning on a light.

To stay sniffle-free, turn on an extra lamp during the day. Exposure to lots of morning and midday light (from the sun or light bulbs) spurs a 41 percent increase in virus-fighting immunoglobulin A, lowering your risk of getting ill, a study in Chronobiology International found. Bright daytime light increases pm production of melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate your immune system.

Or go for a gummy! Australian research suggests elderberry extract helps prevent viruses from taking hold in your cells. Try: New Nordic Elderberry Gummies (Buy on Amazon, $14).

If you’re looking for a way to boost happiness quickly, these tips should get you started. All you have to do is try new things!