6. Take a hot shower or a bath. Let the warm water sooth you. Stay a little longer than usual. Warm water is very healing and a powerful de-stressor. Let your thoughts take you to a place of your dreams. Pay attention to the ideas that come to your mind. They are usually very insightful. If you go for the bath, avoid artificial bubble salts as they are not good for your skin. Instead, add some essential oil of lavender or bergamot. Twelve drops will do the trick. You can also add a handful of Epson salts.

7. Watch a comedy, read a funny book, or dare to read a tabloid newspaper. You will be amazed at how much fun reading a tabloid is. If nothing, just appreciate the incredible resources and creativity of the writers. You can also ask your friends to send you some jokes so you start your day laughing. Dont use your time reading emails, though; just enough to read one or two jokes and have a laugh earlier in the day.

8. Slow down. Leave for tomorrow what you can let go of, today. Try to do only what is extremely necessary for your well-being today. Everything else will fall into place at the right time, especially when you feel good.

9. Smile for one minute. It increases your good humor hormones. Try smiling one minute in the morning, one minute in the afternoon, and one minute in the evening. You can even try and smile before you go to bed. By themselves, those minutes are not much, but they add during the day. This is another activity that is more difficult than it seems. Stick to it, though, for great surprises.

10. Spend some peaceful time with the people you love. Turn off the TV. Play a board game with your children; read to them. Read to your partner or vice-versa. Do a hobby together as a couple or as a family. Practice slow love-making. Look at your loved ones in the eyes. Tell them how much they mean to you.

So here you are. Follow these tips not only when you are stressed or yucky, but, if you make a habit of them, you will see that these feelings will gradually disappear and you will enjoy more of life. Go for it.

Maria Moratto

Dr. Maria Moratto holds 5 degrees, including 2 B.A., 2 M.A., and one Ph.D. Originally from Brazil, she has over 25 years experience in academics as well as coaching individuals and groups; teaching seminars, teleseminars, and classe, and writing books and other articles on self-improvement topics such as stress and time-management, leisure, spirituality, abundance, prosperity, learning styles and multiple intelligences, academic survival, relationships, natural medicine, diversity, goal setting, career, lifestyle, and spiritual business.

She is passionate about helping others improve their lives and find true happiness, health, and prosperity. She thinks that life is supposed to be easy, simple, and fun. She is a great supporter of LOHAS.

She lives in Fair Oaks, CA with her 17 year old son Alex and two kitties, Zeh and Fitty, whom she adores.