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January/February 2008 Alternative Health
8 Tips for Beating Winter Blahs

by Susan Lark, M.D.

Between holiday stress, post-holiday blues, and wintertime blahs, it's common to experience a lack of energy and vitality this time of year. But there are simple remedies that can quickly turn moods around.

Here are eight time-tested tips for gaining positive mental energy and diffusing stress during the winter months.

1. Eat "good mood" foods. Spinach, sweet potatoes, turkey, carrots, broccoli, citrus fruits, eggs, salmon and almonds are loaded with the vitamins and minerals that have been shown to help the body produce mood-boosting neurochemicals.

2. Self-administer acupressure. Locate the points one finger-width below and one finger-width to both the right and left of the base of your skull. Press for one to three minutes. Locate the point four finger-widths below your left kneecap, and one finger-width to the outside of your shin. Hold for one to three minutes.

3. Chase away blues with blue light. Fifteen minutes of exposure to blue light therapy has been shown to elevate moods by increasing serotonin levels. Safe and inexpensive self-care light devices are available online.

4. Walk in the sun. Even in the winter, exposure to direct sunlight will readjust your brain chemicals and instantly change your mood.

5. Increase your aerobic exercise. A few minutes a day of walking boosts DHEA levels, which helps to moderate mood.

6. Sign up for a movement class. Yoga, tai chi, Feldenkrais, Pilates and strength training have all been shown to be excellent ways to counteract low-level depression.

7. Spread around some love. Scientists have confirmed that love heals. Hug a child, take an older person out to lunch, call up an old friend, snuggle with your partner. Every time you give love, love will bounce back to you. You'll feel better instantly.

8. Go have some fun. Simple as it sounds, laughing and doing fun activities is an easy way to chase away the blues. What's fun for you? Going to a comedy club? Dancing? Playing board games with your kids? Do it!

Dr. Lark is one of the leading authorities on integrative medicine and women's health, and has penned 13 books on health and healing. Her newest book, co-written with Kimberly Day, is Dr. Susan Lark's Hormone Revolution. Visit www.drlark.com.