62 ways to feel great naturally: these gems work like magic to make you calmer, happier, and more energetic - Cover Story

Natural Health, May-June, 2003 by Amy Rapaport Karlson

40 Unwind Your Mind Naturally

To release tension in your mind and muscles, lie on the floor or your bed with your arms at your sides and your feet slightly apart. Inhale and exhale as you tense and release your muscles one at a time, starting with your toes and moving up your body to the top of your head.

41 Picture Yourself Powerful

Next time you're about to tackle an exhausting task, visualize yourself doing it as if you were feeling sharp and supercharged. Make the image detailed; your mind can stimulate your body to feel a certain way.

42 Iron Out Your Diet

Iron deficiency often triggers fatigue among menstruating women. Fight it by eating iron-rich foods like black beans and pumpkin seeds. To improve absorption, combine them with foods rich in vitamin C, like red bell peppers.

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43 Get Out

Spend some time outdoors every day, advises naturopath Cain. You don't have to go outside for long. Just take 10 minutes to breathe fresh air, check the weather, and listen to the birds. Contact with nature can rejuvenate you.

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44 Tame Tension with a Scalp Massage

Before you step into the shower, use your fingertips to apply firm pressure in small circles to your scalp for at least three minutes.

45 Keep in Touch with Loved Ones

Make an effort to connect with friends and family. You'll be happier if you develop loving, supportive relationships.

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46 Maintain a Gratitude Journal

Each night before bed, jot down three ways you are blessed: Maybe the first tender shoots appeared in your garden or you prepared a tasty, nutritious meal. You'll sleep well if you head to bed on a positive note,

47 Meditate Daily

Do it for just five to 10 minutes a day. Try it first thing in the morning or last thing at night. (For meditation instructions, see "How to Get Instant Calm," page 53.) This powerful practice gives your mind and body a break from the day-to-day problems that can depress your mood.

48 Listen to Your Gut

If your stomach growls hungrily, pay attention. Eat a snack or meal. The longer you wait to eat, the more likely you are to suffer a blood sugar slump that could wreck your mood and motivation.

49 Recite a Mind-Clearing Mantra

When you find yourself rehashing old problems, close your eyes and whisper: "Let go, let go, let go."

50 Spritz a Pick-Me-Up

Beat the 3 p.m. slump with a flower essence spray. Combine 4 drops each of peppermint (Mentha x piperita) and lemon (Citrus x limon) essential oils in a 4-ounce spray bottle filled to the top with fresh filtered water. (To order a bottle this size for 83 cents, call 206-340-0459 or visit www.specialtybottle.com.) Add 6 drops each of nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus), cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus), and peppermint flower essences. Lightly mist around your face and inhale.

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51 Make a Me-Time Jar

On small slips of paper, jot down your favorite stress-busting activities that take 30 minutes or less: reading a magazine, browsing at an antique shop, soaking in the tub, and so on. Put the slips in a jar. Draw at least one activity a week and do it.