Prom Spot - Don't Freak Out

Your dress, your date, your friend who almost bought the exact same dress and wanted to go to prom with your date...yup, prom is a major source of drama. Try one of these tips to ease your pre-prom stress!

Ditch your diet
If you've been cutting calories, it's no wonder you're crabby. Even if you've been eating the usual, a wholesome snack with carbohydrates (like a PB&J sandwich on whole-grain bread or some fresh fruit) will boost your levels of serotonin, a brain chemical that lifts your mood.

Soak it up
A good soak will relax your muscles and your mind. Add a bath salt or essential oil to moisturize your skin and loosen you up. We love Aromatherapy Luxury Bath Stress Relief in Eucalyptus Spearmint ($16.50, BathandBodyWorks.com). PS: As long as you're in water, why not exfoliate any problem spots? Use a pumice on your feet and a loofah on your knees and elbows for extra polish. You'll step out of the tub a whole new (stress-free) person!

Put it on paper!
Do you feel like your prom to-dos are piling up and you're about to get buried beneath them? Rather than trying to juggle your salon appointment, picking up the boutonniere, and reconfirming the limo in your head, make a list. Putting it all on paper will make everything seem much more manageable. You won’t worry about forgetting things and you'll get the utter satisfaction of checking off each task you complete. We've made this even simpler for you -- click here for our online prom checklist. Just enter your prom date and we'll give you everything you need to keep your prom plans under control.

Chug some H₂0
When you're feeling swamped, you go for a caffeine fix. But coffee, soda, and energy drinks don't just jack you up, they totally dehydrate you. You’ll feel even more worn out when the buzz wears off and you come crashing down later. Next time you feel the urge for a java jolt, grab some water instead. It might not be the most amazing wake-up call, but over time, you'll find that if you're properly hydrated, you'll feel better overall -- much less fatigued and achy. Also, try bottled water like Glaceau SmartWater. It's laced with electrolytes (they rehydrate you pronto) and it's calorie-free. Can't say that for soda.

Put the "OM" in PROM
Take a yoga break. Shut your bedroom door and put the cell on “silent” -- honestly, don’t underestimate the value of a quiet moment to yourself. If you've never tried yoga before, the lotus position is pretty basic. Sit on the floor with your legs stretched out in front of you. Bend your right knee and gently place your right foot on your left knee (or as close to your body as possible). Now bend your left knee and place your left foot on your right knee. (If you feel uncomfortable, keep one foot on the ground.) Now place your wrists on your knees, palms facing up. Relax your wrists and fingers; if you want to really do it right, touch your middle fingers with your thumbs. Sit up straight and hold your head in a comfortable position. Then take some deep breaths (try to pull air from your stomach, not just your diaphragm) and relax.

Take it outside
When you need to clear your mind, there's nothing like getting a breath of fresh air. Take a brisk walk or jog outside. Even just a circuit around your neighborhood will work. You'll find yourself feeling pretty Zen in no time, and you might be surprised how the repetitiveness and rhythm of your strides can help sort out your thoughts. Besides, a little exercise never hurt anyone!

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--Kate Wood