If You're Not Feeling Like Yourself

1) Drink some water.
2) Do some brain exercises (see below).
3) Take a break.

The following exercises can help balance the left and right hemispheres of the brain. Give them a try any time you are unable to focus.

Lazy 8's: Use a large sheet of paper and markers or crayons. Starting at the middle, draw a horizontal 8 with your dominant hand, then with your nondominant hand. Finally, with a marker or crayon in each hand, put both hands together and draw a lazy 8.

X Marks the Spot: Draw a big X on a piece of paper and study it. It can remind you that both parts of your brain are connected and can send messages back and forth.

Double Doodles: Using both hands, doodle as much as you like for 3 minutes. Don't forget to breathe! Use different color markers or crayons.

Hookups: Cross one foot over the other and one wrist over the other. Put your palms together, bend your elbows, pull your crossed hands to your chest and take about 10 deliberate breaths. Stay in this position until you are feeling calm and centered. This is an especially good exercise to perform before a potentially stressful event.

The Stress-Busting Friend: Have a friend stand behind you and put his or her fingertips on your forehead. This exercise can be very calming and can relieve stress.

Any physical activity involving movements that cross the mid-line of the body can help your brain become more balanced. Here are some examples:

• Cross-country skiing
• Rollerblading
• Walking with arms swinging in rhythm with the opposite foot
• Biking
• Hiking
• Dancing