Self-examination is a tried and true learning tool. If you want to learn new behaviors that push you down the path toward healthier, happier living, take this simple test I've conjured up on a hot sunny day. It's summer! Let's have fun:

Instructions. Read each question out loud. Then still your mind for a few moments, and contemplate your answer, using logic, short and long term memory, and perhaps, some chocolate.

Question One: How Many Play Days Have You Planned for this Summer?

(Your turn. But first, a definition): A Play Day is a day that has some extended leisure time activity in it. — a few freed up hours to ride your bike, enjoy a yoga class, take a walk with a friend. Reading a good book does qualify as a legit Play Day activity, but you get special Fitness Merit Points if you read it while peddling an exercycle, upright or recumbent.

0-12 Play Days: Congratulations: You have room for great improvement. Zero to 12 play days for 12 weeks of summer — roughly June, July and August — verges on self-destructive behavior. A person needs to relax, expand and daydream. I'm a certified personal trainer, so don't argue with me. I've have studied this issue from all angles and several religions: All work and no play makes for a dull, dreary, medically unstable life. (Award yourself 1 point)

13-36 Play Days: Good for you. You understand the value of active leisure time and once, twice or three times a week, you're making time to take care of your self. This is sensible, not selfish, because playtime, in nature, especially with others, strengthens your social network and engages your mind and body in a joyful, productive way. (2 points)

37-84 Play Days: My idol. Can you imagine how much more balanced your life would feel if — somehow, a miracle might be required — you could sit at your calendar and mark off big chunks of active leisuretime? You shuck the kids, leave the job, ignore the phones and go have your best time. Don't worry. The real world — pressure, confusion, anxiety — will be there when you get back. But you will return to that world with a little more energy, a little more perspective, because you took the time to connect to your body and your breath. (30 points)

Question Two: How Many Meatless Meals Are You Eating in a Typical Week?

(Your turn. This could be quick.)

A Big Fat Zero: This is your choice, but it's not a very smart one. Eating meat — especially red meat, processed meat, bottom-of-the-barrel fast food meat — is a very good way to clog your arteries, ingest foreign hormones and absorb lots of saturated fat. (Points? Are you kidding?)

1-7 Meatless Meals: You're a wiener! At least you've knocked the crazy notion that a meatless meal will leave you feeling hungry. When you reduce your intake of meat, you get to add big platefuls of delicious vegetables, fruits and whole grains. Breakfast is easy. Scrap the bacon, and, for protein, substitute yummy peanut butter or low-fat cheese. (5 points)

8-21 Meatless Meals: Now you're cooking! Slowly, slowly, meal by meal, you're moving toward a cleaner way of eating, with less meat, fewer processed foods, more whole grains, delicious cheeses, organic or local fruits and vegetables. Expect to lose some weight. (105 points)

Question Three: Are You Taking All Your Allotted Vacation Days This Year?

(Remember: we're on the honor system.)

If you answered NO, you're making me cry. (Deduct 50 points). Vacation Deficit Disorder — the pain and suffering that comes from too little time at the beach — is a serious problem in the United States. Do your part. Have all the fun you can whenever you can, especially in summer.

If you answered YES, I applaud you (add your weight in points). Life is too short to live it as a workaholic. Rest and relaxation is the dreamiest part of a healthy lifestyle.

OK. The exam is over. Add up your score. Whatever the number, rejoice and move on. You're now free to go, free to make healthier choices, free to live the life you've been hoping for. Next summer, plan to score higher.

ENERGY EXPRESS-O! GO HANG A HAMMOCK

"Deep summer is when laziness finds respectability." — Sam Keen

Marilynn Preston — fitness expert, personal trainer and speaker on healthy lifestyle issues — is the creator of Energy Express, the longest-running syndicated fitness column in the country. She welcomes reader questions, which can be sent to MyEnergyExpress@aol.com. To find out more about Preston and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

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