THINGS THAT CHANGE MOODS

 Things that change my mood for the better

Lushin Dubey

Theatreperson

There are lots of things that bog me down. And routine is one of them. If work is too mundane, then I like some unexpected thing to perk me up. Of course, being an old-fashioned woman, this should be within the parameters of what is acceptable to me.

Then, what also lifts my spirits is my work. Fortunately, what I'm doing is very creative and I can really mould things like clay, my way.

Food too lifts me up. Here I must say that I'm a very irregular eater but I enjoy all kinds of food if I'm feeling low – from South Indian and Thai to salads and soups and sometimes, even junk food. I really indulge myself when I'm on a holiday. Taking sometime off does wonders for me.

And finally, everyday, I do some meditation. I chant a Buddhist mantra. It really calms my nerves and leaves me feeling empowered.

Amaan Ali Khan

Sarod player

The things that really irritate me and make me feel low are disloyalty, lies, arrogance in people whom I've trusted. This has nothing to do with work – after all, there are ups and down in your professional life, but in personal relationships. What perks me up is my music, the work that I'm doing on my albums, and yes, travelling. I travel a lot in connection with my work so I guess, I have a number of outlets to disconnect if I'm feeling down and out.

And you'll seldom find me feeling low because there's so much to do all the time. I hit the gym since I'm already a health freak and yes, I take out my camera and click pictures since that's also a passion of mine and revvs me up completely. I also take off even if it's for a weekend to get rid of my blues. So, I can handle such situations very well.

Shefali Talwar

Model & emcee

People who look for short-cuts to hard work really bother me. I also often get bogged down by travel and this is something I do extensively because of my work. And another thing that might surprise a lot of people is that I get worked up about shopping – it saps me completely. But I know how to fight all such feelings that make me feel low. And I do that by cleaning up my home and going to the gym to do my workouts. A good workout works wonders for me. And yes, then there is driving. I enjoy going out on a long drive if I'm not my usual perky self. While on the subject, one thing I can't get over is people who need repeated instructions. Why do they need to be told the same thing again and again, I don't understand. But I can get over all such things by spending time with my family and my husband.

Thenny

Entrepreneur

Distrust and bad vibes around me and when things are not getting done the way I want to be leaves me feeling greatly distressed.

And normally, being a positive person, I do not allow such things to affect me. But should I be feeling low I just take off for the gym and workout my stress and get myself a good and invigorating body massage. These things help in relaxing you and make you switch off from the world.

What also works towards making me feel better is the company of my friends. That's when we sit and discuss our work and have a chilled-out time over a good glass of fine wine.

Music... ah, that too really helps to soothe my nerves. In fact, every night I listen to Buddha Bar that really makes me relax. But not before some peppermint or camomile tea.

Ambica Pillai

Hairstylist

Work, if I've been at it for months at a stretch can sometimes get to me. So, to feel rejuvenated, I often take off for Goa where I have a cottage by the beach, and that's where I just relax, away from it all.

When I'm feeling low, I listen to music and like to spend time with my daughter. We chat and laugh a lot together and no wonder, after that, I'm raring to go.