Doodling for stress relief
Feeling stressed or anxious? Grab a pen (or marker or pencil) and start drawing! Studies show that doodling or coloring isn’t just a pastime for artsy folks—it can reduce anxiety and cortisol levels, plus promote feelings of relaxation in adults and teens alike. Doodling may also help with memory and information retention. When you’re feeling overwhelmed? Draw, sketch, or doodle it away!
Snack delivery
With more people currently working from home instead of in the office, you may be missing that mid-morning snack break around the water cooler. The good news? It’s not just a thing of the past. A few brands, including ones that focus on vegan, gluten-free, and all-around healthy munchies, now offer home-delivered customized snack boxes that keep you full and focused no matter where you park your laptop.
Snow mushrooms for healthy skin
Used as a Chinese herb for years, the snow mushroom (also known as silver ear and snow fungus) is popping up in anti-aging skincare products everywhere, and for good reason. Studies show it improves moisture retention, acts as an antioxidant and anti-wrinkle agent, and helps skin hold onto precious collagen after sun exposure. Try it as a supplement or a topical skincare product.
Ice rolling
Looking for instant (if temporary) face lifting and firming, and a way to make you look bright and fresh? Reach for an ice roller. This tool (stored in the freezer and used ice-cold) is used to massage your face and is said to boost circulation and blood flow, reduce puffiness and redness, and even tighten the skin. Intrigued? Try it out by massaging your face with a chilled roller for about one minute a day.
Maple as energy
For long runs, hikes, or extended weight training sessions, maple syrup may be better than sugar- or honey-laden sports drinks or gels. That’s because maple won’t spike your blood sugar as quickly as refined sugar; maple sap (the watery substance that gets boiled down into syrup) may provide a longer-lasting energy boost than sugar-filled energy gels and drinks; and it contains healthy antioxidants, minerals, and prebiotics, too. It is still a sweetener, though, so partake in moderation.
Music for mental fatigue
Pump the tunes while you run, walk, or bike, and you might just see a boost to your performance. Studies suggest that if you’re mentally fatigued, jamming to your favorite tunes can help improve athletic performance, especially when endurance is involved. Blasting the beats as you lace up your sneaks, even if you feel mentally drained, will have you watching the miles fly by in no time.
