The Winter Blues

Perhaps it's the cold weather, the short days, the lack of sunshine, or even the massive mounds of snow that's triggered the winter blues. It's been harder than ever to find the motivation to hop on the mill and engage myself in a movie to TV series. Nor do I feel the thrill of embarking on a long run and lose myself in my own thoughts. Some people might actually consider that normal. :)  So, I researched some ways to beat the winter blues and here are some suggestions I found:

Things to try:

• Raise the blinds and let the light shine in. Sit by the window and feel the warmth.
• Try eating more hot soups and stews. Add beans and lentils to your diet. These hearty meals are both comforting and nourishing. 
• Go out for brief walk over lunch or in the afternoon - take a mental break from work and daily stress
• Exercise to stimulate and bring warmth to your body. Change up your routine.  Try some new classes in Pilates, Yoga, Belly Dancing, Salsa and Weight Training. 
• Connect with sunny people. Do volunteer work. 
• Get out and see positive people who appreciate you and if you can’t get out, use the phone or email.
• Bring tropical plants into the house. 
• Look at the color orange which is cheering. Put something orange on the desk or your coffee table.
• Go to a spa, get a hair cut, whatever you need to do to relax
• Simplify your home, room by room. Clean out the clutter and donate what you have not used in years. Use this indoors time to organize your home.
  Source: http://chetday.com/winterblues.htm

Foods to have on hand:

• Popcorn
• Oatmeal (original, not desserty)
• Nuts
• Egg whites for omelets
• Peanut butter
• Prewashed veggies
• Fruit
• Whole grain crackers and bread
• Deli turkey
• Cottage cheese
• Tea
• Fish
• Milk

Source: http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=50455&page=2