Do These 5 Things Outside The Gym To Take Your Workouts To The Next Level

SLEEP

Trick yourself into Zs. We’ve all been there: The harder you try to fall asleep, the harder it becomes to actually fall asleep. Researchers studied this. They found that intentionally trying to stay awake can help you pass out more quickly. So when insomnia strikes, force your eyes to stay open instead of gluing them shut.

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HYDRATION

Count beyond water. Sure, eight glasses of H2O per day is the typical guideline, but a recent review found that other drinks—milk, OJ, iced tea—are similarly hydrating because they stay in your system longer (i.e., you don’t pee them out as quickly). So when you need a break from water, sip on something low-cal—ideally, first thing in the a.m. if you know you’re going to be out and about without agua.

This easy water bottle hack will help you stay properly hydrated every single day:

STRESS

Embrace essential oils. The scent of lavender can help calm your nervous system, but researchers now say it can also improve your working memory (or ability to perform a task) after a hair-pulling event—which means less-frazzled days. Since acute stress can lead to chronic stress, keep lavender oil at your desk or in your bag, and spray as needed (we like Yummi Candles Aromatherapy Room Spray, $8, yummicandles.com).

CHECK YOURSELF

You should feel sufficiently taxed—not dead—after a HIIT workout. If you resemble roadkill, scale it back a bit next time. Have a ton more energy to spare? Put in a little more effort the next go-around.

This article originally appeared in the May 2017 issue of Women’s Health. For more great advice, pick up a copy of the issue on newsstands now!