4 micro changes to help yourself feel better today

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When we’re down, in a slump, or overwhelmed by the 24/7 news cycle , we might assume we must reorder our entire lives to solve the problem. However, when much is out of our control, science tells us small daily adjustments can immediately help boost our mood and energy . When practiced over time, these micro habits can become the backbone of healthy routines.

Here are four ways to make yourself feel better right now:

1. Take a cold shower?

Cold therapy has grown in popularity because of its potential health benefits. While it might not sound appealing at the outset, a cold shower has shown to help improve mood and alertness. Starting your day with a cold shower may help you feel calmer and more energized.?

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2. Hype yourself up

It never hurts to give yourself a pep talk. Research found positive affirmations can activate the brain’s reward system and help reduce stress .?

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Before every competition, Team USA gymnast Suni Lee repeats this 10-word mantra: “Nothing more, nothing less, because your normal is good enough,” she previously told Fortune .?

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3. Take a new route to work?

When we commute to work, we’re often on autopilot, making it easy to doom-scroll on the train or zone out into worry about the days and weeks ahead. The same stop signs, corner stores, and traffic patterns don’t faze us.?

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However, the brain gets stimulated by novelty . Taking a new route can engage your senses and help you enjoy the present moment. You may see a group of children walking to school on the street you live adjacent to but have never traveled down before—and take a moment to appreciate their energy, optimism, and humor. When doing something new, our brains become engaged and alert, distracting us from the overwhelm that can consume us.?

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4. Dedicate 10 minutes at work to connect with a coworker?

About half of Americans feel lonely , and it only takes 10 minutes of connection to help people feel seen. Spend 10 minutes chatting with a coworker, inquiring about their recent promotion, vacation, or hobby. Ann Shoket, CEO of TheLi.st , told Fortune ,“These tiny daily habits of staying in touch by text, spending time one-on-one, and literally walking around the office are a really valuable way to nurture your connections.”?

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Read Alexa Mikhail’s full article here .

?? Aging Well Tip of the Week

Increasingly popular home medical devices can be a huge help for Medicare beneficiaries (particularly ones with chronic conditions) and their family caregivers. The devices offer vital health assistance and treatment in a comfortable, convenient setting and are often used in hospital at home programs.

But these devices—known as durable medical equipment in Medicare Part B parlance and ranging from infusion pumps to nebulizers to CPAP machines to home dialysis machines—also come with five potential problems for users and caregivers.

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