2. Fake it till you make it.
Fool everyone, including yourself, into thinking you're cool, calm, and collected by physically showing it with great posture. Good posture is a sign of confidence; the more confident you appear, the more you internalize that feeling, the more you'll actually begin to feel that way.

3. Compliment others.
Everyone loves praise, yet few of us receive enough of it. Seems like we're always pointing out the faults of others (possibly a reflection of how we feel about ourselves). If the coffee guy made your latte perfectly today, thank him and tell him. Remember how great it feels the last time you
got a compliment? YOU will also feel great, too.

4. Breathe.
Deep, clean breaths (in through the nose, filling your diaphragm then your lungs, and out through pursed lips) send fresh oxygen to hungry cells, helping them regenerate while keeping our heart rates steady.

5. De-clutter.
When your personal environment (work or home) is in shambles, it can look pretty daunting, and you feel exasperated. Even something as simple as organizing your desk at work will make you more efficient and relieve stress.

6. Make sleep a priority.
Okay, I'll be honest. This is something I really need to work on. As a nation, we are chronically and extremely sleep-deprived. A major sign of sleep bankruptcy is the need for an alarm clock to get our butts out of bed, according to experts. Try to get to bed an hour, or at least a half hour, to dramatically improve your appearance, alertness, and performance.

7. Don't fret a bad (fill in the blank) day.
Why not? Because you're most likely the only one who notices. Other people do not scrutinize you the way you do to yourself. Quite frankly, most of the time, people are too focused on themselves to be bothered with other people's problems.

8. Eat a healthy breakfast.
People who eat breakfast are less anxious and less stressed all day, say researchers. Have some oatmeal, yogurt, fruit, cottage cheese, and make it a priority. Plus, eating breakfast jump-starts your metabolism, helps you lose weight, and keeps you mentally alert.

9. Take better advantage of a day off.
Next time you have a day completely to yourself, do something totally out of the ordinary that you haven't done or haven't done in ages, and be sure it puts a smile on your face. You'll be amazed at how even a small break in the usual routine gives you a better outlook on life.

10. Prepare for tomorrow, today.
15 minutes before you leave work, get tomorrow's tasks in order. You'll go home with work neatly behind you and the peace of mind that tomorrow you can pick up where you left off.

11. Be like the U.S. Army.
As often as possible, get your most challenging work done between 7 AM and 11 AM. Experts say that's when your energy is highest and your mind is sharpest.

12. Say NO.
Many of us get so tied up with outside commitments that do nothing for our own physical, mental, professional, or personal growth. Learn to say NO. Just do it once per day. You'll find yourself creating more room to do the things that matter most.

13. Have a "glass is half-full" attitude.
When someone asks how you're doing, stop saying, "Not bad." Instead, replace with an upbeat, "I'm doing fantastic, thanks!" You'll be perceived as a happier, more fulfilled person.

14. Make a molehill out of a mountain.
When a problem seems like too much, write it down. Once you see what's bothering you scribbled on paper, it seems less significant.

15. Cut way back on media.
Read one major newspaper a day. Stop watching the news. Why listen and read to ten different versions of the same thing (that's not very uplifting in the first place)? Too much media does not make you more informed; in fact,
you may find yourself getting more stressed.

16. Eat like a child.
Pay attention to what you eat, eat when you're hungry, and stop when you're full. Experience the food you put into your body.

17. Relish your rituals.
Allow yourself one or two daily routines that make you feel good and give you energy, and DON'T LET THEM GO. (I actually ask clients to make a list of TEN "rituals" or habits.) Whether it's curling up with a good book for 10 minutes, writing fiction, or going for a leisurely walk, enjoy and appreciate those little pleasures life brings.

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