The mirrors in the London Kate Spade fitting rooms carry the reminder: smile. I adore this! Here is a situation in which women set themselves up for criticism, ready to scrutinise a new outfit with critical eyes, and there, around eye-level, is the reminder that this is actually really fun.
Smiling has power, to lift your mood and those around you. Smiles are contagious after all.
Apparently the physical action of smiling can trick you into a better mood. I have tried it! It calms, it cheers.
It also works with challenging fitness workouts. Keeps me from screwing up my face and getting bogged down in worry.
In the words of Zen monk Thich Nhat Hanh, Smile, breathe, and go slowly.