7 Money Mood Boosters

Soothe Your Senses

"Color can actually calm or stimulate you," notes Hannelore Leavy, director of the Day Spa Association. Ever hear of a celebrity waiting for an interview in the "green room"? That's because green tends to promote peaceful feelings. You can also go with blue to calm the tides of your financial stress. If you're more in need of something to kick you out of your financial stupor, try surrounding yourself with the stimulating color of red, or buy a bunch of yellow tulips to put you in a cheerful, sunny mood. Be careful not to overdo the yellow, though, as it has been shown to trigger angry moods.

Aromatherapy, or the use of essential oils, has made a popular name for itself in the last few years. It's not a hard science, but rather an ancient practice that's worth experimenting with. You can buy a diffuser, put a few drops in your bath water, or buy a clean spray bottle and mix with water to lightly mist your house. Besides the commonly used lavender (overrated, some say), other calming essential oils include bergamot, patchouli, sandalwood, grapefruit, and jasmine. Some spas now have computer programs that create personalized blends of oils.