Winter Can Really Make You Feel Lousy ~ The Winter Blues

~In keeping with the many great things in my new book Fresh Hope … Cleveland, here is news on a very important health issue.

Since the weather is changing and the snowflakes will soon fly, I thought this would be a very good time to share this message with you all –again. I wish each one of you a good winter season, the ability to be really productivity when there’s lot of sunshine or when there’s none. Besides all that, I wish you a wonderful Christmas, good health, and a lot of joy!

Make it a great day!

God Bless You!

Nanci

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Feeling a Little Sad or Even Depressed?

Depression can happen to any of us at any given time. It can be due to changes in your life, a new baby, loss of loved ones or a job, and a host of many other things including chemical changes in the brain. If you are feeling sad, having difficulty functioning; there is no shame in getting help from a professional if you need it. Please discuss any difficulties with your physician. If you don’t have a primary care physician, it’s time to get one!

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The Winter Blues

Got the winter blues? In Cleveland, about 20 percent of us are affected by Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD. Since we have so many cloudy days here, the lack of sunlight hinders the brain’s ability to make a chemical called serotonin. Low levels of serotonin can cause you to feel sluggish and depressed. Good remedies to improve your well-being include taking a walk in the early morning hours when there is sun and increasing your intake of Omega-3 fatty acids by eating oily fish like salmon, herring, or sardines. Also make sure your diet includes at least 800 units of Vitamin D daily and foods rich in Vitamin C. For good brain functioning, get seven to nine hours of sleep a night, and drink plenty of water throughout the day.

If you are still experiencing problems after monitoring your diet and exercise, see your doctor to discuss your symptoms and concerns. Your doctor may recommend you spend ten to fifteen minutes in front of of a therapeutic light box with 10,000 LUX (no UV rays).

Visit http://www.sunbox.com or http://www.sadtherapylamps.com for more information on purchasing therapeutic light boxes.

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Helpful Websites

Below are some very useful tools from Mental Health America’s website which can help you feel your best. Also check out their link for depression screening: http://www.depression-screening.org/depression_screen.cfm

10 Tools ~ to Feel Your Best

These proven tools can help you feel stronger and more hopeful. Check out each page for specific, easy-to-follow tips.

1. Connect with others
2. Stay positive
3. Get physically active
4. Help others
5. Get enough sleep
6. Create joy and satisfaction
7. Eat well
8. Take care of your spirit
9. Deal better with hard times
10. Get professional help if you need it