I just read an interesting article about how this time of year has been empirically
proven to be the unhappiest.
The article was in a business magazine, of all places.
According to the article, a psychologist at the University of Cardiff, in England
(Wales actually, I think) says that studies on people in various countries have
shown that around mid February, most people are singin' the blues.
According to the studies, the main "factors for misery" include: the length of
time until next Christmas; debt from the holiday season; the fact that most
people who made New Years resolutions have already given up on them; and
a low level of motivation.
While I can certainly understand all of these factors, I can't help but think that
the cold, often dismal weather plays a part too. At least for those of us who
live in cold weather areas.
I'd be interested in knowing if our friends in Australia, New Zealand and South
America get into the same funk this time of year. Since they are in the middle
of their summer, they have a strong buffer: sunlight and warm temps.
At any rate, if you're suffering from a general sense of malaise, you should
know you are (apparently) in good company.
It seems like forever until spring will arrive. Where I live, we had an
unseasonably warm fall and early winter. Heck, at one point in January, the
next-door neighbors and I were out in short sleeves, talking over the fence
while the kids played.
Fast forward to this past week, when we got quite the mixture of snow, sleet
and ice. It's been very cold. The kids have been out of school for 6 straight
days.
Well, at least the kids are happy!
If you're feeling blue, you should acknowledge that fact and give yourself
a little tender loving care.
Make sure you are getting out into some sunlight as often as you can.
Even when it's cold out, bundle up and get some late morning or early
afternoon sun as often during the week as possible. Even 10 to 15 minutes
can make a difference.
And don't wear sunglasses (unless you are skiing). You want the sun to
reflect off the ground into your eyes. This actually activates your body's
hormonal system and provides you with more energy.
Another easy way to catapult your energy levels and mood is to do some
deep breathing for 10 to 15 minutes a day. The exercises in the Secret Power
of Dynamic Energy Exercise Course, Volume I or II, are excellent for this.
(Visit http://www.bestbreathingexercises.com/dynamic_energy1.html for
more information.)
Proper breathing calms and energizes you at the same time. It gets your
metabolism firing, the good hormones surging, and the endorphins moving.
Also, be sure to feed yourself well. The quality of the food you eat is even
more important during those times you are in a funk, feeling demotivated,
or simply low on energy.
Food itself provides energy and information to your body. Eat lots of
high energy foods. Not energy in terms of calories, but in terms of the life in
the food.
This means water rich foods like fruits and vegetables; whole grains;
and quality proteins. A great way to combine all these, especially in
winter, is by eating more soups and stews.
Here's one more tip: take it easy on yourself. If you're feeling less motivated
or energetic than usual, or than you think you should, don't beat yourself
up about it.
Simply accept that this comes with the territory, as we cycle through the
dark, cold days of winter.
If you've been paying attention, the days are getting longer. Which means
spring will be here before you know it.
You Can Do It!
Karen Van Ness
http://www.BestBreathingExercises.com
P.S. You can have two powerhourse volumes from the Secret Power of
Dynamic Energy Exercise Course for one low price. Order the Dynamic
Energy Special, and you will receive Volumes I and II, plus two very
special bonuses.
Go to http://www.bestbreathingexercises.com/DESpecial_orderpage.html to
pick up your copy today.
Copyright, KVN Enterprises, Inc. 2007
**The contents of this daily email are not to be considered as medical
advice. Always consult a physician before beginning or changing any
health or fitness regimen.**
