DG, go ahead and get rid of the TV. I think that would help a ton right there.
When I get to feeling like this, I make something with my hands, and give it to someone else. It doesn't matter much who. I made a pair of amethyst and silver earrings and gave them to my therapist, and she gave them to someone else who needed a boost. It made me feel good. Making and giving away cookies has a similar effect.
ShortAndCuddlyAM, I am completely with you on the different needs of kids, which is why I'm pursuing a doctorate in education (thank you for reminding me that there's some point to this enterprise). I want to try to change the system from within. I understand the language of statistics, so I'm hoping to be able to come up with some arguments that the policy makers will have to listen to.