This month I decided to share this selfie Todd and I took at the halfway point of our daily 5-mile walk from Cottagewood to Excelsior. The air temperature was a refreshing -6 with a -26 wind chill -- Crazy! It’s been crazy cold in most of the
United States over the past week.
Thankfully the forecast is for warmer temperatures but there’s still a
lot of winter left. Short, cold days can be particularly difficult if you
suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a type of depression
that is 4 times more common in women than in men. If think you might be experiencing severe depression caused
by SAD you should consult a doctor immediately. But if the recent sub-zero temperatures are giving you a
minor case of the winter blues here are a few things that might improve your
outlook:
- Increase your exposure to light -- It’s very tempting to hibernate. Instead spend as much time as you can outside or by a sunny window. Even when it’s not bright and sunny outside the exposure to natural light is better for you than artificial light.
- Watch what you eat -- Beware of those carb cravings caused by decreased serotonin levels. Apricots, apples, pears, grapes, plums, grapefruit and oranges are all great ways to boost serotonin levels.
- Limit alcohol and caffeine -- Unfortunately alcohol is a depressant. And caffeine can cause anxiety, muscle tension and gastrointestinal problems. Sipping herbal tea is a better choice.
- Get moving -- Invest in some really good warm weather gear and brave the elements. Or, take a walk in the mall. Any kind of physical activity will help you feel your best.
- Buy a new coat -- A bright colored coat would look fabulous on you and at this time of the year they’re all on sale!
- Take a vacation -- This is my favorite way to beat the winter blues. Of course travel is not always an option. But if you can swing it I would suggest you grab the sunscreen and head to a warm, sunny location where you can consume all the alcohol and caffeine you want.
Make the time to be good to you and don’t let yourself get stressed out. So many things in
life are totally out of our control. But, if you can stay positive it will help you stay
healthy.
Embrace the Polar Vortex & Good Health!
Terry
"It was so cold . . . I left Starbucks with a mocha latte' and got into my car with a Fudgesicle."
~Anthropolis.com
