Get Energized
Quick ways to recharge your batteries
By Jennifer Matlack
With all of life’s pressing demands, it’s no wonder we sometimes feel like we’re running on empty. An ocean-side vacation or a spell at a luxurious health resort would no doubt replenish our weary minds, bodies and spirits. But who has the time or money? Luckily there are ways to fight the fatigue and depression caused by burnout—and they don’t involve making an airline reservation or booking an appointment at a spa. WD readers tested these cost-effective, no-fuss tips and watched their energy soar.
Make Lemonade
“In some studies, citrus fragrances eased feelings of depression and worry and made people happier,” says Theresa L. White, Ph.D., a sensory psychologist at Le Moyne College in Syracuse, New York.
Tried and True: “I tried drinking lemonade instead of my usual morning coffee,” says Weatherly Ramsdell of New York City. “Surprisingly, the tart flavor really woke me up. Now I pop a lemon Jolly Rancher candy whenever I need a midafternoon lift."
Light Up Your Life
“Not getting enough sun can cause fatigue, low motivation and, during the fall and winter, symptoms of seasonal affective disorder, which include depression, overeating and loss of libido,” says Debbie Mandel, author of Turn On Your Inner Light: Fitness for Body, Mind and Soul.
Tried and True: Hope Schmid of Fairfax Station, Virginia, tested the power of the sun by sitting outside for an hour every day for a week (with sunscreen on). “I was honestly more relaxed after I felt the sun on my face,” she says.
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