A Self-Made Makeover:

Seven Ways to Leave Your Cover

Ready to stop living undercover? You're secret's safe here. Remember this phrase?: “Are you tired, rundown, listless? Do you poop out at parties?” Well, while I can’t promise you the highs of Lucy’s “Vitameatavegamin,” I can suggest some ways in which you can give yourself a lift. Try these seven for starters:

1. Start a life journal. Just because you’re not famous doesn’t mean you can’t document your life. Begin to write about the things that matter to you and the plans you have for your life. Once you write it down, it will become more real to you. Also write down your problems, thoughts, concerns. You’ll find that once you’ve put them to paper, they’re not quite as overwhelming as they once were. Writing them out will also bring you a sense of release and control.

2. Plan a getaway. Start planning ahead for a vacation or journey you’ve always wanted to take, no matter how out of reach it may seem. In the meantime, steal some time alone, even if it’s just spending the day in a friend’s basement where no one can reach you. How about a walk in the park, or a bicycle ride? If you can’t get out of the house just yet, try a hot bath or walking on the treadmill while listening to relaxation tapes.

3. Find an old friend. Make a project out of finding someone you’ve lost touch with, whether it’s an old friend or long lost relative. If you parted on a bad note, just believe it’s never too late to apologize and start fresh. You can renew the relationship and learn something new from each other.

4. Breathe. That’s it. Breathe in slowly through your nose and hold your breath for ten seconds, then release it through your mouth in five. Sit there quietly, for at least five minutes, while you take deep breaths and listen to your body begin to relax.

5. Read daily affirmations. You decide on the text. It doesn’t matter whether it’s spiritual, humorous or even business related, as long as it’s designed specifically to accentuate the positives of daily life.

6. Loosen up. Try stretching at the beginning or end of the day. Before you begin, make sure to warm up by marching in place or using the exercise bike or treadmill, etc. for five to seven minutes. Now set a meditative mood with soft music or the sound of running water in the background…and stretch from your fingers to your toes. You’ll increase your flexibility of mind and body.

7. Eat to live. Don’t live to eat. You can’t let your appetite or meal plan dictate how you’ll live. It’s easy to get caught up in what will be your next meal, snack or treat, but if your focus is food, your goal will be food and you’ll win. In the end, you have the ultimate control because you are in charge of your body and your body is accountable only to you.