Five-Minute Fix: Little Boosts to Perk You Up

A Little Lipstick Goes a Long Way

To feel better about yourself almost immediately, a little lipstick goes a long way. It will make you feel beautiful, empowered and sexy. You don't have to be going out, or expecting company. Do it for yourself, to boost your self esteem each time you look in the mirror!

Take a Hike!

"Walking is the best possible exercise. Habituate yourself to walk very far." -Thomas Jefferson

Of course we are all aware that walking is beneficial for health and fitness. It elevates your heart-rate to promote good cardiovascular function and burns calories at a faster rate than sitting on your bum. But perhaps the greatest benefit of walking is that it helps to manage stress, which, if you haven't heard, can kill you. 

Stress-reducing benefits of walking:

• Increased oxygen flow to your brain helps activate brain cells and clear foggy thinking, which in turn makes you more alert and astute.
• Altered body chemistry from exercise enhances mood and reduces metabolic disorders.
• When walking outdoors, your skin absorbs Vitamin D, known to enhance mood, improve sleep patterns, and perform many vital metabolic functions.
• Walking in the early morning helps you start your day on the right foot by enhancing your mood, waking up the body's systems, and giving you time to plan your day.
• Walking after dinner helps burn off extra blood sugar, gives you time to wind down and reflect on your day, and prepares you for a good night'ssleep.

You don't have to walk for very long or very far to realize the stress-reducing benefits of walking. I recommend walking outdoors, because it is less goal-oriented and less time-bound than treadmill walking (which can be stressful). As you walk, breathe deeply and enjoy nature. Tune in to your senses and feel the sun on your skin and the breeze in your hair. Let your mind wander and ponder. 

I guarantee that walking morning and evening each day will make you healthier, happier and wiser.