Cleo

Cleo Mental Health

How to feel good on 'blah' days

Cleo Tools
Print
Send to friend
Comments
Archive
04 Dec, 2008

Summer’s all about getting fit and feeling great, but what about an “internal” workout? These pick-me-ups are so easy you’ll want to use them every day, not just on the bad ones.

1 Take a dip

Ever noticed how energised you feel after a swim or surf? The negative ions in the ocean are thought to increase levels of the mood chemical serotonin, which helps alleviate depression and stress, and boost your energy.

2. Remember to breathe

Sound lame? No way! The breath is nature’s built-in mood booster. A few deep, relaxing gulps will give you a moment’s relief.

3.Drink lots of water

Feeling sluggish can be a signal you’re dehydrated. A cup or two of the clear stuff will leave you refreshed and ready to take on life’s less-than-thrilling bits. If you’re a caffeine junkie, swap a few of those lattes for smaller cups of caffeine- and anti-oxidant-rich green tea.

4. Fool your senses

Don’t underestimate the power of a citrus body wash – essential oils are immediately uplifting. Lather up and you’ll perk up.

5. 'Fake it' until you feel better

To give yourself a fresh-faced glow that’ll hopefully become the real deal later in the day, simply blend a little peach or pink blush over the apples of the cheeks.

6. Take a lunchtime yoga class

Many think yoga’s peace-love-and-mung-bean approach is only about relaxing the body, but it can actually make the mind clearer and re-energise your whole system. After one class you’re likely to remain more focused and get more done.

7. Look after your nails

There’s nothing like a good manicure and pedicure to make a girl look polished and together. A soothing foot massage is just an added bonus.

8. Eat a little chocolate

It really does make you feel better! That said, good-quality dark chocolate (not the normal variety with high amounts of fat, sugar and additives) has a higher concentration of cocoa, anti-oxidants and phenylethylamine, a mild mood booster.

View All Articles 
  1. First
  2. Previous
  3. 1
  4. 2
  5. Next
  6. Last

Comments (13)

  • Thank you for that! I think i might wake up tomorrow morning drink a big fat glass of water and then go for a swim :) Then come home and clean my room!
    Report this
  • I agree
    Report this
  • Fantastice, practical advice, i have follow many of these steps for years & along with a positive attitude they do help :-)
    Report this
  • It helps to keep a journal and write down all the positive things that happen throughout your day. Then you can remind yourself of these moments. Keeping optimism and humour is good for you and everyone around you.
    Report this
  • that stuff was so helpful, i'm gonna stick it on my mirror so i can read it every day. I think u need some more stuff like that, "mood boosters". Us ladies need all the de-stressing we can get.
    Report this
  1. Previous
  2. 1
  3. 2
  4. 3
  5. Next

Add Comment

  •  

Sign Up for the Newsletter

Feature Story

free body book

Cheapskate workout

Try out some of the most inexpensive ways to stay in shape!

READ IT
CLEO Call Out

Health tips every woman should know

We asked a group of health experts to reveal the one piece of advice they always tell their clients and patients

READ IT

Latest Posts

February Reader survey

CLEO Reader survey

We reward honesty! Tell us what you really think of this month’s issue and you could win a Gola pack, valued at $159.90!

READ IT
Follow me on Twitter