remedies for rotten days--part 3

(Good Housekeeping July 2005)

10. play with paint
raid some art supplies and do a quick finger painting or crayon sketch of what you feel., free of anyone's judgment (including your own). it doesn't have to look like anything. it should just be an expression of your mood. let yourself experience the relief that comes from putting your feelings down on paper as if you were an uninhibited preschooler.

11. treat yourself as you would a friend
what would do for a pal who was feeling bad? tell her everything will be ok? encourage her to get into bed for an hour and pull up the covers? recommend that she buy herself a new sweater? whatever you would tell someone else, say to yourself--right now!

12. be the sky
sit quietly for a few minutes and imagine yourself as the wide blue sky--with your feelings of frustration, worry, irritation or fear as distant clouds moving across the horizon. in doing so, you will be reminded that the self is far bigger than these feelings and moods, which are temporary and passing through you rather than taking over.

13. have a chocolate bar
women in particular tend to crave chocolate, especially before their period, and there's good reason for it. chocolate contains mood-lifting chemicals; it also increases endorphins abd serotonin in the blood, promoting a sense of well-being. according to Aztec legend, cacao seeds come from paradise and eating them brings wisdom and power. so give yourself a chocolate break and notice the effect. after you indulge, don't scold yourself. experts believe that moderate amounts of treats are better than complete deprivation.