Friday, February 10, 2012

Published 10:03 PM by with 0 comment

How to… fight the winter blues (By: Cheryl Joseph)

Okay fine – it’s not really winter weather. It’s a sad day when it’s early February in Canada and the grass is as green as ever. Nonetheless, “winter” blues still happen.
  1. Focus on the positive. Yes, you may have two unit tests in a day. Yes, you may have only gotten five hours of sleep last night. And yes, that really can put a damper on your day. But there’s so much that we all take for granted. Food, access to clean water, a roof over our heads… the list is endless. So look at the glass half full. In fact, studies have linked optimism to better health* – and even if the study wasn’t reliable, it can’t hurt to be grateful.
  2. Smile. It actually releases endorphins that make you happy. It may be hard sometimes to smile when you’re having a terrible day, but even a fake smile works.
  3. Find a friend. Friends always have a way of making you happy. Even if it’s just for a few minutes, go chat someone up. In fact, talk to someone you haven’t talked to in a while, and you’ll be sure to leave both of you smiling. Hugs are particularly good pick-me-ups, as well.
  4. Call someone. If you’re alone at home, call a friend! Preferably the funny one that manages to make you forget that you ever even had problems.
  5. Look nice. Sometimes, you just wake up on the wrong side of the bed. When this happens, you know instantly that you won’t be having a good day. The best way to counteract this? Look good. Now, this may sound both frivolous and unfounded, but hear me out: when you look nice, you feel a little better about yourself, and you may even get a compliment, which definitely puts a spring in your step. And remember that “nice” is subjective: the key here is to incorporate something you like into your look – a hair accessory, jewellery, new pair of jeans… anything that makes you happy.
  6. Listen to a good song. Sometimes, music is the best medicine.
  7. Sing along, or having a mini dance party. If just listening to the music doesn’t help, sing along, karaoke style. Or, if you’re not much for singing, have a little dance party. Note that the best time to do this is when you’re alone – i.e. where there aren’t witnesses to a slightly embarrassing little musical.
  8. Exercise – a little, at least. Exercising for only a minute or so helps blood flow and leads to an overall sense of well-being. But exercising for longer actually boosts endorphin levels in the brain, increases focus, and leads to general contentment.
  9. Do something you love. This sounds obvious – and it sort of is. But a lot of people neglect their favourite pastimes. Whether it’s journaling, poetry, reading, cooking, dancing, or watching your favourite T.V. show, take a little time out of your day to have some fun, and you’re sure to feel better.

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