I believe my number one health detractor is occasional bad moods or stress that causes me to eat late, stay up late, smoke a cigarette or snack on sweets or nuts or chips etc.

I suspect others might agree. We know what is good for us, and what holds us back. Most of the time we are good, but occasionally we are not. So I guess even more important than learning about health foods, or poisons, is the idea of avoiding bad moods or getting ourselves out of them.

Here are some ways to improve your mood:

1. Take a long walk in a beautiful place (woods, the beach, Newbury Street, etc.)
2. Do a body rub and take a shower
3. Go for a swim or bike ride, play tennis or even a board game
4. Watch comedy on television or YouTube, or log into Vine etc.
5. Have some nice hot apple juice, hot carrot juice, hot sake or a beer
6. Get a hug or a back rub from a family member
7. Get something done on my to do list (return a book, paint the fence, clean the kitchen, etc.)
8. Listening to music or playing music (Rush, Triumph, Boston, April Wine, Jazz or Disco works)
9. Calling an old friend
10. Meditating or chanting with sincere gratefulness, and satisfaction with life

What works for you?