7 Ways to Get Your Energy Up in 5 Minutes

Marie Claire
Energy Booster
Energy Booster

1. Listen to Music

It's no surprise why our brain's pleasure centers light up when we hear music. (The same brain structures that are active during euphoria-inducing stimuli like sex and drugs are clicked on with a good Glee mashup, too!) So, plug those headphones in and work along to your favorite jam.


2. Flirt

It's fun, it's harmless (or, at least, it should be), and it's effective. Nothing gets the heart pumping and the brain working like a little flirtin' action, just don't do anything stupid. Keep it to conversation - thinking on your feet, cracking jokes, and intellectual banter will energize you plenty.

Related: 9 Germy Things to Avoid this Flu Season

3. Take a Disco Nap

This one's tricky. If you don't keep it short - five to 10 minutes, max - the power nap could have the opposite effect. So, set a smoothing-but-stern alarm and jump up from your bed, couch, or chair (the most recommended location for your mini-snooze sesh) when time's up.

4. Eat a Piece of Chocolate

Like a nap, this one can present a challenge if willpower is something you are lacking in addition to energy. To help limit your intake to one piece, keep some individually wrapped chocolate squares on hand. Eating one will give you an endorphin buzz. Plus, the slight amount of caffeine chocolate contains - dark chocolate has more than milk chocolate - won't hurt, either.

5. Smell a Lemon

Vitamin C is a miracle worker. Not only does drinking it help, but even smelling the stuff can revitalize your senses and cure chronic fatigue. Citrus scents from oranges, lemons, and limes stimulate alertness. So grab the fruit, or a lemon-scented body lotion, and sniff away.

Related: What's Your Best Time to Exercise?

6. Wear Bright Colors

Ironically, your current state is partially determined by the mood you project to others and the reciprocating mood they project back to you. Wearing dark, somber colors get you the same reaction. But, bright colors and fun, interesting patterns give you an equally bright, peppy response. We know, we know … black is so flattering! Just save those duds for days you don't have an energy deficiency.


7. Step Outside

Sure, the last thing you probably want to do when you're feeling a little blah is bundle up and go walk around aimlessly in the freezing cold. Well, do it anyway. Just a few minutes outside in the fresh, crisp air - and away from your desk - will work wonders on your energy and mood. Obviously, this trick works well on a warm, sunny day, too. It's the gift that keeps on giving all year round.

More from Marie Claire:
How to Look Great in Every Photo
Best Celebrity Hairstyles of All Time
5 Secrets of the Highest-Paid Women
20 Secrets Men Never Tell Women