You may notice it’s been quite awhile since I’ve written. Could it be that I’ve been in a Winter slump and just haven’t felt like it? Yep, that’s part of it. It’s been reported that only Hawaii has escaped winter’s wrath this year. Here in the Midwest, we’re all just plain sick and tired of it, and personally, I can feel myself sliding down that slippery slope into the winter blues. Luckily, the Internet is just full of tips on pulling yourself up by the bootstraps, so I’m going to post a few of them here…just so I have them close at hand whenever I need them.

First get outside. Even in bad weather the act of going outside will get your blood flowing.

Get as much sunlight as you can. Sunlight will improve your mood and can help mild depression. Winter sunlight is not as strong as summer light. If you suffer from SAD (seasonal affective disorder) buy a light box which imitates natural sunlight. Put full spectrum light bulbs in your light fixtures.

Most people have a vitamin D deficiency. If you live in the northern hemisphere or are elderly you definitely need supplemental vitamin D. You can’t get it from sunlight in the winter. So increase your vitamin D intake. It will improve your mood and help your bones.

Don’t neglect your exercise in the winter. When you exercise your body produces endorphins that help you feel good. It is easy to get lazy and not want to go out in the bad weather. Do some form of exercise inside. Join a health club. Exercise will help you eliminate the blues.

Get enough sleep. Some of us seem to need more sleep in the winter. Be sure to schedule it into your day. Adequate sleep will help you shake the winter blues.

Drink plenty of water. It’s easy to get dehydrated in the dry winter air. Your brain actually shrinks when you are dehydrated. You feel tired and rundown. Sip on water throughout the day.

Food will influence your mood. Foods containing tryptophan such as eggs, turkey, soybeans, sunflower and pumpkin seeds will help you to feel better. As always eliminate sugar and white flour from your diet.

Licorice taken in capsules or tea can help you fight the blues. Don’t mistake herbal licorice with licorice candy. They are not the same thing.

Sometimes just using one of these home remedies is all you will need to lift the winter blues.

Excerpted from http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Linda_Tremer

Another thing I’m going to do this weekend is put away my winter decorations and bring out my Spring wreath, flower arrangements and Easter decorations. That’s sure to give to me another boost out of these gray, snowy days!

To your good health!