TUESDAY TIPS - Natural Energy Boosters

I read an fun and interesting article in Women's Health magazine today, about Natural Energy Boosters. The author, Tori Rodriguez, listed 5 different things, related to sound, touch, smell, sight, and taste, that are natural energy boosters. (information taken directly from Women's Health)...

1. Sound - Listening to music for about an hour a day can help reduce fatigue, and music may also play a key role in cell growth and repair. Also, hearing a supportive, familiar voice (like your mom's or your best friend's) prompts the brain to release oxytocin, a stress-fighting, mood-elevating hormone.

2. Touch - Researchers at Harvard, Yale, and MIT found that people view socializing as tougher after touching a rough object. Keep something smooth handy - like a ring with a smooth stone that you can rub with your thumb - this might help calm you. You can also get a hand and foot massage, which can lower your heart rate.

3. Sight - Did you know that YELLOW is the color linked most closely with a healthy mood? Other positive colors are orange and lilac. You can also get a kick from sitting near a light box for 45 minutes a day - this increases alertness.

4. Smell - Research showed that when people at nightclubs are exposed to orange and peppermint scents, they report more positive experiences, and dance the night away! The smell of peppermint can also quell stress. Rub a drop of one of these essential oils onto your wrists when your energy level starts to slump.

5. Taste - A mix of cooling and tangy citrus flavors can up your energy by activating nerves in the mouth, throat, and nasal cavity that trigger a heightened level of grain activity. Chewing gum is another way to enhance energy - the muscle tension that comes with chewing can increase heart rate and alertness, and stimulate the nervous system.

If you are interested in the full article, it can be found in the October 2011 Women's Health magazine, pages 72-73. There is also an article on Healthy breast in the same issue.