If you’re feeling stuck in unwanted feelings, I may have just the cure. For each of these situations, I give you a positive affirmation to repeat to yourself throughout the day—an emotional kickstart…and also an activity to give you the physical push you need to get out of your rut.

BORED

Affirmation: I am thankful for all the things I can do. Opportunities come to me from every direction. I am a very creative person

Exercise: Ask yourself, what do you want to see more of in your life? Then do something productive or helpful. Even cleaning out a drawer, taking a drive, or walking around the block will jolt you out of boredom.

LETHARGIC/LAZY

Affirmation: I exhibit dedication and diligence. I am going to put in the time and effort to accomplish the goals that are important to me.

Exercise: Practice Hippie. I recently recommended this move as a great way to relieve tension in your lower back. But this position, putting your head below your heart and hanging down, gets the blood flowing to your brain. And afterwards, as long as you’re not feeling ill or you don’t have a fever, a brisk 20-minute walk might be just the ticket to rev up your energy.

Get Ready: Stand with your feet together and cross your arms loosely with hands on biceps.

Go: Bend forward slowly at the waist and let your body melt down, releasing all tension. If this is too difficult, leave your arms on your legs for support (like brackets) and go to where you feel a comfortable stretch. Hold for 10 seconds. Release your arms and let your head and arms relax down (okay to rest hands on floor if they can relax there) at an angle, while alternately bending one knee. (Keep your feet flat on the mat throughout.) Continue until you feel all tension release, about 30 seconds. You can also bend one knee and hold for five deep inhales. Then switch sides. If one side is tighter, hold for a few deep inhales longer.

PITIFUL/SELF-PITYING

Affirmation: People care about me in their own unique way. I accept responsibility for my choices and where I am in life. I move forward now with ease.

Exercise: No one likes to be around someone who is full of self-pity. It is time to attract different results. Be the person you want to meet. List two action steps you will take. Stop the pity party and implement.

LONELY/ALONE/ISOLATED

Affirmation: I will brighten my day by reaching out to someone, and I will also take pleasure when I have times of solitude. It is valuable time to self­reflect and explore my talents. The more I do this, the more I have to offer.

Exercise: Find a social event, book club, bowling league or library event that you can join to get out and meet like-minded people. Everyone I know wants to make another friend. (Inadequate sleep can also aggravate feelings of loneliness.)

SAD/UNHAPPY/WEEPY

Affirmation: It is okay to be sad. I allow myself to fully experience the feeling. It will go away shortly.

Exercise: Use a timer and give the biggest smile you can for one minute without stopping. Then call someone you really care about but haven’t talked to in a while and see how he or she is doing. Talk about them, not you.

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