Rescue remedies

Colds, PMT, hangovers or simply feeling below par can wreak havoc on your working day but, sadly, a nanny can't just turn over in bed and phone in sick without causing enormous problems for employer and children. However, there are ways to get yourself through one of those days.

LOOK GOOD

When you feel gruesome, the last thing you want to contemplate is how you look. But making an effort will pay dividends in terms of morale and feeling good about yourself.

Start by splashing cold water on your face to get you going. Take a shower or bath and make use of any bath goodies about - if potions and lotions make you feel great before a big night out, they'll be even better when you want to crawl back under the duvet. Ditto for clothes - if you've been saving something new for a special occasion, wear it now. You need all the help you can get to forget how vile you're feeling. For puffy eyes and/or dark shadows, apply a couple of used teabags dipped in cold water to your eyelids for a couple of minutes and then apply concealer. If you have an on/off relationship with make-up, spare a couple of minutes today to put some on, and appear healthier than you feel.