(Phatforums News / Match.com) — It’s been a marathon day, you’re wiped out, dragging and more than a little crabby. All you want is a big bowl of mac ‘n cheese and your couch, but no, you have a date! How can you transform your down-in-the-dumps energy into social sparkle? Allow me to help: As the author of 12 books covering love, success and happiness, I’ve got 10 easy moves for you — no double espressos required.

1. Freeze up. Mint is a stimulant (not to mention a nice way to remove the remnants of your afternoon coffee and Doritos breath). You can’t help but wake up once you have a mouthful of freshness, and then you will be prepared for the opportunity to be kissed. If you’re stuck at work, keep some mouthwash in your desk or strong mints handy. It’s all about the mint; the stronger, the better.

3. Detox from daily stress with fire. Clear your energy of the day’s toxins with a candle (yes, a candle). Light one and imagine the flame burning off the tightness of your day. Watch the argument you had with your boss go down the drain. Say goodbye to the tense talk you had with your mother. Adios, traffic rage. Fire is purifying; if you can sit for a few minutes and let the stress burn off, you’ll feel fresher for it and free to enjoy the night ahead of you.

4. Rock out to raise your energy levels. Even if you’re listening to your iPod already, crank up the volume and move your body. And no, it doesn’t work with Neil Young’s Harvest Moon. Find some real dance music and raise your energy. Chanting, drumming and music are age-old tools to raise your energy levels and summon some mojo magic. You can get a good buzz going just from moving to a great song or two.

5. Scent yourself for success. Why throw on the same old scent when you can do something healing and uplifting? Try an essential oil or eau de parfum with lavender — it opens your heart even when you’re channeling storm clouds. And vanilla can make you seem welcoming even if you feel like slamming the door in someone’s face. Keep a couple of fragrances in your desk at work. It’s amazing how a little spritz can keep your love life in bloom.

6. Give yourself a friendly pep talk. If your friend calls you and whines about being tired and not wanting to go out, what would you say? Probably that he or she should just get out there and go for it. That’s what a friend is for, after all. If you want to call a friend for a pep talk, do it… but you already know what you need to hear. Remember that when your little inner voice is saying, “Can’t I just stay home tonight?” Tell yourself things like, “Calm down; it’s just a date” or “You hate it when someone cancels on you” or “It’ll be good for you.” Saying those things aloud (if you’re alone somewhere, that is) will magnify the effect.

7. Think of your date like a lottery ticket. Remind yourself that every single time you put yourself out there, you could be on your way to meeting The One. Says Jennie from New York: “I really didn’t want to go on a date recently. I was sure I was going to be stood up or would have no fun, but it was great! We had a ball and have seen each other since.” Even if you’re dragging, dreading and dreary a few hours beforehand, you just never know. Romance loves the element of surprise — so don’t miss a chance to be wowed.

8. Get a breath of fresh air. Get some fresh air — literally — before meeting your date. Julia from Los Angeles says that she rebalances emotionally by getting outside after sunset: “There’s something about the night sky — it’s beautiful, mysterious and full of promise if you just give yourself a minute to really look at it,” she explains, adding: “I can almost plug into the romantic energy!” And now, so can you.

9. Dress differently for your date than you did the rest of the day. Feel as though you need to reset yourself before your date begins? Change your clothes! Feeling new textures against your skin, choosing what colors to wear… all of this will wake up your senses and help you be more open to exploring a new part of your day. If you’re at work and you can’t pull a Clark Kent-to-Superman transition, change your accessories, your shoes, or your tie. Just change one thing on your body, and you’re already shaking off the muck that sapped your energy during the day. Try this trick from Marcia of Shaker Heights, OH: “I rev myself up by wearing something a little flashy or unexpected — gold sandals with nice jeans and a top, maybe — because it somehow sends me the message that I’m dressed up for a date and makes me feel flirtier, chattier, and more girly in general.”

10. Visualize the ideal version of yourself. Here’s a visualization trick to try when you’re plopped on the couch at home, pre-date: Close your eyes, then see yourself on your date as sparkling, attractive, witty, alluring, happy — you get the drift. Once you get the image you want in your head of yourself at your very best, surround it with a soft light in your mind’s eye. See yourself glowing with excitement and happiness. Now, breathe this image into your heart. (Translation: Inhale deeply while visualizing this irresistible version of you being absorbed into the very center of your being.) Exhale and open your eyes. You are now veiled in the psychic energy of pleasure and attraction; you’ll feel more alert, but centered, too. Revel in it… then get going and enjoy that date!

Astro-coach Barrie Dolnick helps people find love and happiness by understanding their stars and their karmic energy. She is the author of 12 books, including Enlighten Up! and KarmaBabe.

2. Drown your blahs in the shower. With shampoo, that is. Laura, 29, from West Haven, CT, swears by it. “If I get home before a date and I’m dead on my feet, I’m going to wash my hair. It’s the only way I can make it out the door,” she insists. Not only do you feel better, you look better. Water cleanses away more than your disheveled look; it also stimulates your scalp and helps you clear your head. If you can’t wash your hair, wash your face. Seriously, it’s a cosmic restart if you can clean off the residue of the day and be fresh for another adventure.

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