Banana Pancakes Make Me Happy

on February 25, 2009

Morning, lovelies! How are you? To be honest, I have the mid-week BLAHs. I don’t know if you could tell from my post last night, but I definitely was not feeling my normal chipper self. Instead of wallowing in my misery as I typically allow myself to do, I decided to take action in THREE ways:

I prayed. With my hands clasped and everything! I’m not religious at all, but I’m trying to make more of an effort to talk to the "big woman in the sky" (if I have to refer to God as a gender, it’s going to be female). It made me feel more relaxed before I went to sleep to unload my frustrations onto the spiritual world.

I did some exercises on my living room this AM. My knees feel a lot better, and the gym is definitely in order tonight. 100 crunches, 20 push-ups, 20 light squats, and some basic yoga moves made me feel refreshed and awake this morning.

I made banana pancakes for breakfast. Something about banana pancakes make make feel so happy. They’re so simple, yet so delightful.

Maybe I love banana pancakes so much because of the Jack Johnson’s song: "You hardly even notice / when I try to show you / this song is meant to keep ya / from doing what you’re supposed to / like waking up too early / Maybe we can sleep in / I’ll make you banana pancakes / pretend like it’s the weekend now…"

I used Hodgson’s Mills InstaBake mix and added 1 thin slice of banana on top of each silver dollar pancake while it was cooking on the first side. Apparently, yesterday was National Pancake Day! I’m disappointed I missed the actual holiday. 🙂

Plus strawberries and the rest of the banana.

And a coffee, which was seriously in order this AM.

So, I feel better already! Time to get to work!

How do you handle feelings of stress and frustration? Sometimes I handle it in unhealthy ways (like wine!), so I’m trying to expand my arsenal of healthy tools to fight stress. The more healthy options, the better!

{ 49 comments }

Nicole (anotheronebitesthecrust.wordpress.com) February 25, 2009, 5:19 am
I soon as I saw the title, Banana Pancakes by Jack Johnson started playing in my head 😀 That song always brings me joy!

When I’m stressed out or upset, I take a nap if I can. Sometimes I just need to cool my mind off, and nothing ever seems so bad or dramatic when I wake up. If I can’t nap, I’ll call my mom, go for a walk, or edit photos in photoshop. I don’t know why, but the last one is super comforting for me 😀
Emily February 25, 2009, 5:24 am
I pray, too!
Or I get out of the house and get some exercise, dance, or use music to help me feel better.
robinbb February 25, 2009, 5:29 am
I for some reason feel down the week before a big race, so maybe you are feeling nervous jitters. Reading helps to get my mind back to normal, especially if running won’t cure you.
Leanne February 25, 2009, 5:32 am
I wish I had pancake mix, those look so good right now!

When I’m frustrated I vent on the phone to my mom or brother… For some reason it just feels good to tell someone about it?
just me February 25, 2009, 5:33 am
yay for banana pancakes and jack johnson. hahaha.

i deal w/ stress by running…or writing. writing always works!
Mica February 25, 2009, 5:35 am
I’m sorry you were having a rough day yesterday, but I’m glad you did such positive, healthy things to feel better! (Banana pancakes–a true panacea!)

I’m not very good at making myself feel better. I either run or sit around, walling in self-pity. It’s ugly.
fitforfree February 25, 2009, 5:36 am
I used to run out my frustrations but then I realized I was using it as a way to run away from them, not deal with theme. So now, I talk to friends or my boyfriend 🙂
Anonymous February 25, 2009, 5:40 am
I call my mom =) Does the trick every time.
VeggieGirl February 25, 2009, 5:43 am
If you’ve seen my recent video posts, you’ll know that I’ve been having nervous breakdowns from all the stress; so I know how you feel. Hang in there!!
Courtney (The Hungry Yogini) February 25, 2009, 5:50 am
Yum pancakes! I love that song! He is so great.

Hope you start to feel back to normal soon! I know that getting in touch with my spiritual side helps me too!
Tami February 25, 2009, 6:17 am
i think it’s natural flow of life to have ups and downs so you just need to ride it all out.
Sarah W. February 25, 2009, 6:22 am
weird that yesterday was nat’l pancake day because actually it was Fat Tuesday which is also known as Shrove Tuesday or PANCAKE TUESDAY! My catholic friend in college taught me all about this and used to make me pancakes for dinner on shrove tues – I always looked forward to that!

is that just a coincidence for yesterday??
A Toronto girl out West February 25, 2009, 6:32 am
I try to work-out and think positively. But it’s not always easy!

I also try to pray and relax.

Basically I guess it’s all an attempt to pick myself up by my bootstraps! :o)
foodsthatfit February 25, 2009, 6:37 am
Love Jack Johnson! Sorry things aren’t the best right now, sometimes getting out and taking a walk with a friend to sort some of my feelings out helps. Hang in there Caitlin!
Bridget February 25, 2009, 6:40 am
Love that song and LOVE banana pancakes…they would make me happy too!
Anonymous February 25, 2009, 6:42 am
Sarah W – I believe it was national pancake cake for exactly that reason – it was Mardi Gras/ Pancake Tuesday. ie: the day before Lent began. My mom would always make pancakes for dinner on that day
Erin February 25, 2009, 6:54 am
Banana Pancakes look like they would make you feel better! Yum.
I’m not all that good at dealing with stress and frustration. I sometimes use it as an excuse to be lazy or do unhealthy things.
I need to try more positive things like this!
Matt February 25, 2009, 6:59 am
Yum! Banana pancakes! I usually handle my frustration by just taking some time to relax and reflect. I usually just need some time to chill.
RhodeyGirl/Sabrina February 25, 2009, 7:07 am
I cry. Really.

I know it sounds weird, but when I am stressed out nothing relieves it better than a good cry. if I can’t cry on my own, I watch a sad movie or an old grey’s episode. it works, and I always feel better after.
Meg February 25, 2009, 7:14 am
I have been having the blahs lately too, but I think some of your pancakes would make me feel better. I hope you keep feeling better.

When I am stressed, I try to find some time to myself to read a book, watch a Lifetime movie, do Pilates, or just listen to music.
tfh February 25, 2009, 7:18 am
I’m glad you’re feeling happier! I definitely try to make time to pray or meditate when I’m stressed, to listen to music that relaxes me, and to hug the mister frequently– touching and being touched by someone else is such a stress-buster.
ksgoodeats February 25, 2009, 7:33 am
Your pancakes look SO good 🙂

Stress: I try to not let it get to me but if it does sometimes all I need is a good cry sesh and then I’m good to go!
Bec February 25, 2009, 7:46 am
I love that song… and banana pancakes. When I am stressed or upset I try to go for a walk or get some exercise in and do a bit of yoga.
balanceisbest February 25, 2009, 7:58 am
WOW, this post was dead-on. I am feeling the same way right now. Thanks for reminding me that wallowing in my own self-pity is NOT the best way to go. 🙂

p.s…I love banana pancakes and do not have them enough. I also love Jack Johnson! 😉

Kaneil, balanceisbest
AshleyT February 25, 2009, 7:59 am
If I’m stressed I:
1. do yoga
2. run
3. breath in and out until I feel it pass.

Banana pancakes look DELICIOUS!
healthy ashley February 25, 2009, 8:09 am
Aww, I love banana pancakes! (Mostly because of Jack Johnson’s song!)

When I get stressed I do just about the same thing, but my prayer is a little different 🙂
Betsy February 25, 2009, 8:13 am
I love how your pancakes go from lighter to darker – I always seem to cook them half too long or half just right.

They’re right when they say cats lower your stress levels – having one of mine in my lap is an instant mood equalizer!
Dana February 25, 2009, 8:25 am
aww i love that song by jack johnson! that’s what made me try banana pancakes!

whenever I’m stressed I like to just hang with some friends for a little to get my mind off of things and laugh a little :).

Hope your day goes well!
peanutbutterandjuli February 25, 2009, 8:27 am
I run…and then keep running… until I injure myself 🙁 I’m trying to look more towards yoga and prayer. I also love some quality music to help me out (like Jack Johnson!)

I hope you find some relief!
Caitlin February 25, 2009, 8:29 am
When I am stressed out, I pray.

Your pancakes look yummy and you gotta love Jack Johnson!
Burp and Slurp~! February 25, 2009, 8:33 am
pancakes pancakes pancakes how can you EVER go wrong with pancakes and banana? yum yum yum~
when I’m stressed, I go out for a walk in a private place…and scream my guts out if I want or cry out loud…feel a lot better after relieving all the tension out, and discover that it’s not such a big deal after all.
Brandi February 25, 2009, 8:34 am
I hope today is better – this week is super crazy/stressful/blah for me, too.

Those pancakes look great – I really wanted some this morning, but didn’t have time to make them 🙁
HangryPants February 25, 2009, 8:36 am
Great song and corresponding breakfast.

When I am upset and I am not wallowing, I try to think of good things in my life. I also love to do a little yoga and/or watch a funny movie.
Andrea (Off Her Cork) February 25, 2009, 8:45 am
I love pancakes! 😀

Sometimes wine and/or chocolate. Sometimes I just need to zone out. Running helps me work out things a lot. Other times I just need to lay in bed for hours reading.
Sara February 25, 2009, 8:48 am
Your pancakes look great! So many are blogging about pancakes, I might have to break down and make some! 🙂
Dori February 25, 2009, 9:38 am
Your pancakes look AMAZING! I would love them right now.
Tina February 25, 2009, 9:39 am
An US Weekly magazine and my PJ’s usually help me relax when I’m stressed! 🙂

I love banana pancakes! I might have to make some this weekend!
carolinebee February 25, 2009, 9:46 am
WOW i really like everyone’s stress relievers! I definitely do the same- cry, pray, work out, or just try to get my mind on something else. Sometimes ya just get down and it takes a day or two to snap out of it! I’m glad you are de-funking..good call on the pancakes!
Kailey (SnackFace) February 25, 2009, 9:48 am
Another great song!! Jack calms me immediately, and makes me realize that life should be a lot simpler. Your pancakes look faaab. To relieve myself of stress/ickyness I stop doing the things that are needed by others (homework, things like that) and do things I enjoy, like reading a mag/blog/eat, pray, love, or write about my feelings. Praying helps so much, and I try to think of all the things I’m thankful for. That really puts things into perspective and I realize that things aren’t as bad as I thought.
Danielle February 25, 2009, 9:57 am
Yummmm, I would love some banana pancakes right about now!

Unfortunately, I definitely haven’t mastered the stress-cure. Sometimes I go the wine route, other times I feel better after talking with a friend, every now and then I really really pray, but most of the time I know that a long walk and spending time with myself does the trick. I just don’t always remember that fact.

Hope things lighten up soon!
Mara @ What's For Dinner? February 25, 2009, 10:07 am
Beautiful pancakes (I had a really hard time spelling that!!)

When I’m stressed or upset, I tend to cook things that need a TON of chopping.
BOBBI McCORMICK February 25, 2009, 10:12 am
Girl I love that jack Johnson song!! And I love manner pancakes:) when I am copingg with frustrations I do try and pray, then write out the things that I am grateful for in a jornel, then talk it out, then yoga!! If all this dosent help sometimes I too want to resort to the evil things like food and wine…LOL
monica February 25, 2009, 10:36 am
Wow, good job curing your blues in a productive way. I also have a bad habit of turning to unhealthy comfort mechanisms – beer especially. (Could REALLY go for one tonight, actually.) But this reminds me that doing something healthy would actually make me feel better in the long run. Time for a walk I think!
lilveggiepatch February 25, 2009, 12:37 pm
I’m glad you posted about this because I’ve been having a LOT of stress recently! It’s not really something I’m used to feeling PHYSICALLY, so I’m trying to find “constructive” ways to deal with it. Things that I’ve found that work for me are yoga, exercise, deep breathing, and sleep. Pretty intuitive, but it’s easy to miss out on all of these things when I’m feeling overwhelmed.
Leah February 25, 2009, 2:27 pm
What a great post. I love this.
To be honest with you, I pray as well. Sometimes we just need to talk out loud and hope someone out there is listening. I think it really helps.

I also do yoga, and eat nice breakfasts like you did today 🙂
Gretchen February 25, 2009, 2:35 pm
“banana pancakes” is me and my fiance’s “song” because I love making them for him and he loves eating them 🙂 Apparently its a very popular song!
Thinspired February 25, 2009, 3:36 pm
Sorry you’re feeling blah–I know how that is. It’s great that you took steps to snap yourself out of it. That takes a strong person. Hope the rest of the week is better for you as you get geared up for your races!
Maggie February 25, 2009, 6:03 pm
that’s my kind of praying!!! have you read eat pray love? (probably). if you haven’t, you should REALLY check it out. it’s so good, and that’s kind of how it starts off.
ChickPea February 25, 2009, 10:49 pm
Haha–everyone will think I am such a dork for admitting this. I have a little banana pancake ritual, where I blast Jack Johnson on my iPod speakers as I stand at the griddle making my breakfast. So much fun:)

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