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

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52 Find Peace with Passion Flower

Passion flower (Passiflora incamata) relieves stress and anxiety and promotes sound sleep. Steep I teaspoon of the dried herb in 1 cup of water for 10 minutes. Strain and drink up to 2 cups after dinner.

53 Melt Your Muscles

When you're in a bad mood, your muscles tense. Counter crankiness with a steamy 10-minute shower. As your muscles loosen up, so will your attitude.

54 Spice up Your Mood and Food

According to folk wisdom, oregano (Origanum vulgare) relieves heavy-hearted feelings. Give your spirits and and tastebuds a pick-me-up by adding 1 to 2 teaspoons of the dried herb to a saucepan of tomato sauce before you toss it with pasta.

55 Hang Your Head

Rejuvenate with a forward bend, an easy yoga pose. Stand tall with your feet hip-width apart and your knees slightly bent. Fold forward so your torso pours out of your legs like a waterfall. Let your head and arms hang toward the floor. Take three deep breaths, and then slowly lift your torso to an upright position.

56 Get Sassy with Salt

In the shower, place a handful of moistened Epsom salts on your washcloth and gently rub your arms, legs, and torso. The salts wake up your body by stimulating circulation.

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57 Charm Yourself with a Chime

The sound of a wind chime actually slows your breathing and heart rate, making you feel mellow, says health writer M.J. Ryan of Walnut Creek, Calif., author of The Power of Patience (Broadway Books, 2003).

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58 Chow Down at Lunch

To beat mid-afternoon drowsiness, make lunch your main meal, and eat it away from your desk, says Jennifer Workman, R.D., a sports nutritionist in Boulder, Colo., who specializes in Ayurveda, and author of Stop Your Cravings (The Free Press, 2003). Choose foods with a variety of bold flavors (likesalty, savory miso soup with tangy salmon teriyaki or a spicy bean burrito with salsa). Emphasize vegetables, beans, nuts, chicken, or fish, and go light on simple carbohydrates like white bread or white rice. End with a healthy sweet (like a small piece of dark chocolate or candied ginger). Follow this advice and Workman promises that you'll be more productive after lunch.

59 Look on the Bright Side

Studies of people who live past 100 show that they tend to see life in a positive light. If you find yourself fretting about a future event, take five minutes to imagine that it will have a positive outcome.

60 Recharge with a Yoga Foot Massage

Lie on your back with your arms at your sides, palms up, your knees bent, and your bare feet flat on the floor. Keeping your knees off the ground, press the soles of your feet together and rub them briskly against each other for 60 seconds. You'll be surprised by how well it invigorates you.

61 Take Time out

Wear a watch with an alarm or keep a timer on your desk. Set it to go off once an hour. When it beeps, stop your task, take a deep breath, and stretch any tight spots. Lack of movement creates fatigue, but brief breaks keep you clear-headed.