How Are You?

I'm really tired of trying to think of creative ways to answer this question--ways that don't require me to lie, but also 1) don't dump TMI on people who don't actually want to know how I am; 2) don't sound pathetic and whiny or evoke pity.

My typical response involves a hesitation as I ponder what to say and whether to lie and give them the feel-good answer. Then something like:
"Eh."
"Hanging in there."
"I'm okay, and you?"
"Well, I've been better."