remedies for rotten days--part 4

(Good Housekeeping July 2005)

i thought after yesterday's cranky post, it would be appropriate to do the last "rotten day remedies" post that i've been saving up...

14. dance away
put on your favorite music and get into the groove. dancing has lots of benefits and, because it's aerobic (and gets those endorphins going), will make you feel great. many of us don't dance because we're afraid of looking foolish, of not knowing the right moves. the remedy: do it without a partner, with no one watching. don't be inhibited. maybe closing your eyes will help. give it a shot and see how you feel.

15. smell the happiness
these essential oils are known to elevate mood: lemon, ylang-ylang, rose, chamomile, clary sage, geranium. find one you really like and mix with a fragrence-free body lotion--or combine a few drops with olive oil, then add to bath water or apply directly to pulse points.

16. pay a compliment
saying something nice to someone else is a great spirit-lifter not only for the other person but for you as well. there's nothing like the high that comes from brightening someone else's day.

17. take a "gratitude moment"
this is the easiest and quickest happiness enhancer. take a deep breath and think of three things you are grateful for right at the moment.