18 Oct 2006 07:30 PM

Give yourself a "happy boost"! Part 4

Tantalize your taste buds

When your spirits need lifting, evoke  happy memories with a small helping of your favorite comfort food, weither it's an ice cream cone on a summer day or Mom's meatloaf with macaroni and cheese or mashed potatoes.

Brew a pot of tea.  Not only does drinking a cup of tea allow you 10 minutes to relax, but it has a whole host of health benefits, too.  Most varienties are full of disease-fighting antioxidants and teeth-protecting fluoride.  Tea also may help reduce the risk of cancer.

Focus on your food.  Make mealtimes and event.  Sit at the table, turn off the tv and really pay attention to what you're eating.  Allow yourself to savor the textures and floavors of each bite.  By eating mindfully, you'll feel fuller sooner, so you may actually end up eating less. That is a really good thing for those of us who are trying to diet and somehow it seems to never work out.

Medicate with chocolate.  Chocoholices rejoice: Your favorite indulgence had medicinal powers.  The cocoa bean contains several mood -enhancing chemical compounds, and chocolate has plenty of endorphin-boosting fat and sugar.  So as long as you don't go overboard, don't feel quility about popping a truffle when you're down.  It's like nature's own antidepressant!  Who new that something so bad for us good be so good. This is good news for those of use moms who just need a pick me up through the day.

Who new that the simplist things could make up feel better or even make up happier. I never would have thought that something so bad for you could end up helping you be happier and give you that little pick me up that everyone need now and then.

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