What to do for winter blues...

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   Daniel Carterposted 14 years ago

   I'm just passing this along, and there may be some other really useful and helpful info from the rest of you as well.
   
   Winter blues is often related to two things: lack of vitamin D due to lessened amounts of sunlight, and not enough healthy fats like omega 3's. The reason omega 3's are important is because of brain function. When the brain is not getting enough nutrition, things slow down and the blues can settle in. There are other forms of healthy fats that help as well: flax seed oil, olive oil and other EFA's (essential fatty acids). You can google to your heart's delight on this stuff and learn more if you'd like.
   
   I have learned that when the blues set in, if I take some vit D and a few fish oil caps at bedtime I usually wake up feeling a lot better in the morning. You may have to repeat this a few evenings in order for things to get adjusted, but often I feel the difference within one or two days. Take with a little food, it will assimilate better.
   
   There are other things that might help as well. Some of us who are prone to winter blues have learned some valuable things, and if you'd like to share them, feel free to post here.
   
   

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      prettydarkhorseposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      thanks Daniel for posting this thread, I made an article about things to do in winter,
      
      write a book maybe or on demand films to watch,
      
      if you dont have bf/gf as early as July find one and then disposed them after March, just a joke
      
      thanks for your advice about omega too

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      Curious Jenposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Eat well for at least one week.  Try not to eat anything out of a package or a box.  Eating well includes adding omegas and healthy oils.  During this week try to talk at least a 45 mid-day walk per day (this will help with vit. D).
      If you don't feel better after a week of eating well and walking then speak to your doctor.

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      jenniferoutwaterposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      The winter blues are no fun for anyone.  That is for sure!  I paint murals that give the illusion of a happier time of year all over our home.  My husband thinks it's funny, but it makes me feel better.
      
      Also, we try out new recipes from different regions of Italy and make our poor family test them.   Life here is filled with family every day, so we take walks, cook, and play games.
      
      If you don't fill your life with things you enjoy any season can seem blue.
      
      There is also the occasional streaking through the piazza. Just kidding!

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   caravalhophotoposted 14 years ago

   laugh, and cuddle...with significant other, child, doggie, cat or with a great book...don't forget the hot coco!  Always makes me feel inspired.

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   poetlorraineposted 14 years ago

   oh thanks that sounds so good.  i hate it when it is dark so early, especially since i have had to wear glasses for reading, i hate reading in the dark nights now even with a big light on.   Maybe should get a special light, now i have admitted it here, i can admit it to myself

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4. 64

   Mishaposted 14 years ago

   Move to a warmer region

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5. 61

   bojanglesk8posted 14 years ago

   Go to the gym and work out.

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   Jane@CMposted 14 years ago

   I have a light box! And I moving as Misha suggested

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7. 0

   Citrus000posted 14 years ago

   Winter blues are no fun!!! I get them every year, but here are a few things that work for me:
   
   - Drive around and look at Christmas Lights
   - Write on my neighbors driveway with sidewalk chalk
   - Draw funny messages or cartoons on bills before sending them off
   - Volunteer!!!!
   - Have lots of sexy time! (or whatever form of exercise you prefer)
   - Try and do things that make people smile!
   
   Pretty much anything random or funny works for me! Also, meditation, wearing brighter colors, and eating healthy are all good things to keep the spirit lifted as well.

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