It’s just one of those days when you want to just stay in your house the whole day. You look at the mirror and all you see are your chubby cheeks, large bum and round waist. None of your clothes feel and look right on your body. Eating also seems unappetizing because you’re afraid you’re going to feel more bloated. You feel that you’ve gained 10 pounds overnight.

Many women experience fat days every now and then. Whether you really did put on some weight or you’re just being paranoid, the feeling sucks. While it may be tempting to sulk and hide under your sheets all day long, you really don’t have to do that. It’s easy to shoo away a fat day. Here are some ways on how to look good and feel good.

1. Recite A Feel-Good Mantra.

Most of the time, this “fat feeling” is just in your head and not on your hips. Stop thinking about how fat you look. Instead, create a chant that you can repeat every time you’re feeling sulky. Say something like “I am sexy. I am beautiful. I feel absolutely good, and nothing can ruin my day”. Every time you feel depressed, repeat this line over and over. Say it out aloud while looking at your reflection or just quietly in your mind. The unpleasant feeling will leave you in no time.

2. Smash The Mirror.

If this idea sounds too brutal for you, just hide that thing away. The more you keep staring at your “fat” reflection, the more depressed you’ll feel. Hide it or put it somewhere where you don’t have to see it often. Another tip — hide your weighing scale away too.

3. Take A Long Bath.

Nothing is more refreshing and mind-clearing than a relaxing bath. Have a long, hot shower to soothe your body. Or better yet, fill up your tub and have a bubble bath. Wash away all your insecurities and negative thoughts. You’ll emerge lighter, happier and more beautiful.

4. Munch On Some Salad.

Since you’re feeling bloated, you might want to watch your food intake at least for the day. Instead of the usual full meals you eat, just have some healthy greens or some fruit. A light salad will fill you up but will not make you any heavier. Avoid junk food as much as you can and settle for fiber, grains and protein instead.

5. Look Glamorous.

If you look good outside, you’ll feel great inside. Wear something that makes you feel beautiful. Never hide yourself with a “camouflage outfit”, like sweatpants or big baggy shirts. If you see yourself in the mirror wearing these, you’ll only feel worse. Pick out something that says “I feel great!”.

If you’re still feeling insecure because you think your “wobbly bits” are showing, here are some tips you can try.

• Think black. It’s a cliché, but you can’t go wrong with it. Black clothing gives slimming qualities to the wearer. If you think black is too gloomy, then pick clothes in other dark colors, like burgundy, maroon or navy.
• Wear something that nips in at your waist or skims your hips. These can give your body a better shape.
• If you’re wearing something loose, pair it with something tight. For example, if you’re wearing a loose sweatshirt, slip on some skinny jeans. If you’re wearing baggy pants, then find a tight-fitting tank top.
• Show some cleavage. A deep V-neckline outfit will make your torso look slimmer, lessening your top-heavy look.
• Control underwear always works. Remember the granny “stomach-holding-in” panties Bridget Jones wore in the movie? They’ll hold in all the bumps you’re afraid of showing.
• Accessorize. Accessories like jewelry, watches or hair clips will improve your overall look and vamp up your outfit.

6. Watch A Funny Flick.

A good film may just do the trick. Of course, the choice of movie also matters. Sappy love stories like “City of Angels” or “Titanic” are wonderful, but their sad endings will only up make you bawl. Not good. Pick out funny, heartwarming movies that’ll make you laugh. Romantic feel-good flicks like “50 First Dates”, “Bridget Jones’ Diary” or “Pretty Woman” are great. You can also watch comedies like “The Longest Yard”, “You Don’t Mess With The Zohan” or “The Hot Chick.”

7. Cut Your Hair.

Getting a new hairdo can cheer you up. Get something that’s not your usual style, but doesn’t look too outrageous. One tip: If you’ve got an oval shaped face, stay away from short hairstyles like bobs and opt for those that go past the chin. If you don’t want to cut your mane, just curl it or put it up in an elegant bun.

8. Shop.

It’s the ultimate guilty pleasure for many women. Go out and buy something that you want badly. It can be a dress you saw the other day, a new novel you’re dying to read, or new stilettos that you can pair with a killer outfit. Splurge. Be materialistic even just for a day.

9. Drink Lots Of Water.

Some women don’t drink water when they’re feeling fat or bloated because they think it’ll make them gain weight more. According to some people, drinking too much water dilutes the digestive juices, causing poor digestion. Don’t believe this. Water is essential to good digestion, breaking down the food in your stomach. It keeps your digestion on track and lets you have less of those forgettable days.

10. Try Extreme Sports.

Bumming around the house is not a good idea so pick yourself off the couch and do something new and exhilarating. Go bungee jumping or hang gliding. Love the beach? Try surfing or wave jumping. If you want an icy experience you won’t forget, you can go ice mountain climbing or snowboarding. When your adrenaline is rushing, you’ll forget all about your fat worries. Better yet, all the extreme exercise you get will let you burn off some carbs.

11. Feast On Yogurt.

It’s tasty, it’s healthy and it doesn’t add anything to your weight. Yogurt is a perfect binge-on food during a fat day. It also helps digestive health and addresses problems like constipation, preventing bloatedness. Try getting the low-fat probiotic type like Activia, so if ever you have digestive irregularities, they’ll be solved right away.

12. Get Positive Vibes From Positive People.

Now is not the time to meet up with your emo friend or go on a date with a whiny boyfriend. Since you’re likely to be feeling sad already, being with negative people will only worsen your depression. Hang out with people who can cheer you up. Call up your chatty best friend and let her brighten your day. You can also plan a fun group get-together or attend a party. Be with people who can feed you energy and inspire you. Soon enough, you’ll feel beautiful, sexy and happy.

13. Do A Good Deed.

Sometimes, feeling good can come from reaching out to others. Instead of complaining and being so self-obsessed, do something nice for another person. It can be as simple as giving someone a compliment or helping an old lady cross the street. Knowing that you did something nice makes you feel lighter, and makes others think highly of you.

14. Love Yourself.

Remember the saying “beauty is only skin (or fat) deep”? It is true — nobody’s perfect, not even you. You may not have a supermodel figure and your face may not launch a thousand ships, but keep in mind that whatever you look like, you’re a special and unique individual in your own way.

Stop all the shame and self-loathing and cheer up. Don’t worry too much. By following these simple tips, the unpleasant feeling will soon pass and you’ll see that you’re a gorgeous, sexy woman both inside and out.