Negative thoughts? Blame your purse!

I assumed the bad news these days--recession, the euro and political rivalries--weighed me down. But a story on Health in a Heartbeat, “A Heavy Load Can Weigh on Mood and Mind,” told me otherwise.

Heavy loads can bring out “heavy thoughts,” according to a recent study. People burdened physically seemed to be burdened emotionally or psychologically and see things in a negative light. The “real” reason could be my purse!

Other articles point to back, neck and shoulder pain that result from a heavy purse. An article in the NYT recommended going with a fanny pack (quel horreur) but noted most women would rather undergo back injuries than commit this fashion faux pas.

So what is in my purse?

Wallet. . . . makeup. Glasses and sunglasses with heavy cases. A small notebook for drawings and ideas. A digital camera. Keys. Receipts (for shoes, cleaning or tailoring). Expired coupons. Three memory sticks. Scarf and cropped shrug. iPhone. . . sometimes a water bottle.

Rather than go the route of the fanny pack, I cleaned out my purse. . . . What didn’t fit has gone in a small backpack for my other shoulder. At least that way, the weight is distributed, and my mental state is. . . positive and balanced!