How To How To Beat the Summertime Blues
You have heard of "Sad" occurring in the winter when the days are shorter and there is less sunlight. Well, it can also occur during the summer. The extreme heat and humidity can throw us into the deepest of moods. Here are some simple tricks to put that contented smile back on our faces.Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: n/a
Here's How:
1. AS the heat seems to be one of the triggers, it is very important to as cool as possible. Keeping the air conditioning on during the day might be a good start. (I have a tendency to turn it off much to the horror of my family. I like being warm.)
2. Keep your refrigerator full of cool drinks and they needn't all be from a can. Our Southern Food Guide has tons of recipes. You will find a link below. Try something you have never tasted before.
3. Believe it or not, working out will help. I'm not a big fan of the gym, but I have to admit, I do feel better after my hour of cardio and weights. And the positive mood seems to last for at least a few hours.
4. Meditate... Sometimes we need to simply slow down. I have simple instructions posted on my fridge and devote 5 minutes a day. Hey, it might not be much, but it helps. I'm not one for sitting still for very long.
5. Do something that you enjoy. Try losing yourself in a book while sitting on the patio. I have roses growing on one side of mine and there is nothing quite like the fragrance drifting by to perk me up.
6. Go for a walk. If you like beaches, choose the time that suits you best and enjoy the solitude of early evening, or the hustle and bustle of a busy afternoon. If you enjoy gardens, go for a stroll after dinner. The key is to keep active.
7. Whatever you do, don't get yourself into a rut. Change the order of your day. You won't believe how much better you will feel. Even housework takes on a different "feel" when you do it earlier or later than usual. I would never have believed this if I hadn't actually tried it out!
Tips:
- Researchers are beginning to believe that heat has a lot to do with this mood disorder. The hotter the day, the worse you feel. While most people hate extreme heat, those suffering from seasonal affective disorder have more severe symptoms.
- SAD is more common in women than in men.
- Irritability and difficulty sleeping are common symptoms.
