It’s a well documented fact that we can all suffer from a touch of the winter blues, but why not enjoy the few quiet nights in that you longed for at the end of the hectic December – that’s what good wine, home cooking and Blockbusters is for!  Not to mention museums, parks and long drives by day.  Enjoy it – you probably longed for such peace last month.

If you spent too much over Christmas, you’re not alone, as most people did.  Just be pleased with yourself for buying such good presents!

Munch your way to a better mood – eat more oily fish (a lack of Omega 3 in the diet is linked to depression).  Drink more milk, as a lack of calcium is also linked to low moods.  Add more vegetables to your dinner.  Also, lack of seratonin (the feel good factor) results in the winter blues.  Eat plenty of chicken, turkey, bananas and cottage cheese to help boost seratonin levels.

Go for a long walk or a quick jog – exercise instantly lifts the mood.  Catch up on sleep too.

Think positive and banish those negative thoughts.  When you’re feeling hard done by, stand at the bottom of the stairs, and for every step going up, think of something that’s getting you down.  Take a deep breath, and then walk down the stairs, and on every step going down, think of a positive thing in your life.

Change your mindset.  Train yourself every day to look out for five moments when you spontaneously smile or feel happy.  Notice the good times instead of focussing on the usual ‘moaning’ triggers.

There’s also something called ‘Lumie’ which is an alarm clock, incorporated with a sunrise mechanism.  Have a look here at the Lumie website.

Anyway, for all you sufferers, hope all this helps.  Before you know it, Spring will be here, with all of those lovely blossom trees, and lighter evenings.

Take care,

Jane