By Kasia Kurek

Get a workout buddy. A 2008 Australian study found that women who exercised with friends or family were happier than those who did not.

Get some green for your office. A 2008 study in Horticultural Science found that workers who had at least one green plant in their office were happier than those without one.

Exercise outdoors. A University of Michigan study found that spending at least 30 minutes in warm, sunny weather improved the subjects’ mood…and memory!

Paint your bedroom blue. The color has been shown to produce a calming feeling. Orange, on the other hand, is an irritant.

Smell lemon oils. In a 2008 study out of Ohio State University, lemon aromatherapy oils improved mood, while lavender oils didn’t.

Connect with a pet. Research has shown that interacting with animals reduces stress.

Reduce your sugar intake. It might give you energy at first, but the sugar crash that follows will leave you tired and grumpy.

Play games. A 2008 study from East Carolina University showed that playing puzzle and word games increased vigor by as much as 210 percent and reduced fatigue by as much as 61 percent.

Get some peace and quiet. A 2008 study from Brazil found that people who lived in noisy urban areas were more irritable and had more difficulty concentrating than those living in quieter areas.

Volunteer. Research shows that you get a rush of endorphins when you help someone, without getting something in return.

What are some of your health concerns when exercising? Write us at webeditorial@oxygenmag.com