Sometimes, it can seem next to impossible to beat a case of the blahs or lose those last 5 lbs. The most obvious solutions are drilled into us all the time: drink more water, sleep eight hours (or more) each night, make time for yourself during busy days. These fundamentals of revving your mood and metabolism are endlessly important, but there are other things you can do for those days when the basics need a wake-up call.
Drink a Cup of Coffee
A boost of caffeine, combined with the antioxidants found in coffee, is proven to enhance your mood and your metabolism. Just remember not to drink more than three cups of coffee a day as to avoid mood swings and caffeine dependency. If you're not a coffee fan, try a cup a green tea and get the added bonus of disease-fighting antioxidants.
Fit in 15-Minute Bursts of Activity
Physical activity is proven to boost your mood, reduce stress, regulate your appetite and put a smile on your face. Wake up with a set of squats, take a quick walk around your office building in the morning, hit a trail, the treadmill or the good old-fashioned stairs at lunch and squeeze in a quick practice yoga instead of a snack when you get home. Aim for an hour total a day.
Laugh it Off
Laughter really is the best medicine. In addition to boosting your mood it gets rid of cortisol, the stress-induced hormone that makes you hold weight and fat around your middle. So take time out of every day to laugh with a friend, coworker or family member. Start researching jokes and practice your stand up routines at the water cooler or at dinner with your family.
Eat Happy Foods
You will get out of your body what you put into it. If you want to have a positive mood and a high metabolism, you have to fuel your body with that goal in mind. Reach for bananas and avocados for the feel-good amino acid tryptophan or walnuts and pumpkin seeds for omega-3 polyunsaturated fats.
Stretch
Take 10 minutes every day to stretch. Not only will it speed your metabolism by developing your muscles, you can also use the time to calm your mind. Use the occasion to meditate and plan or reflect on your day. Think of it as a mini-vacation.
Eat Every Three Hours
To keep your mood steady and your metabolism revving all day long, eat mini meals every three hours. Fill up with fiber and protein-rich snacks between meals and combine protein, fiber and complex carbohydrates into breakfast, lunch and dinner.
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