Fighting the Blues

As many of you know, I just had my third baby. What an adjustment this was for my family! My new little man is quite possibly perfect, and yet my family is far from it! If you have experienced the joy of child birth, you have probably experienced the low that follows when you come home from the hospital. The first week home is a weepy, tired existence. Add two other kids to the mix, a husband, and a 90 lb dog, and well, need I say more? Am I telling you all this to complain...well maybe! :0) No, I am sharing this to remind you we all are going through rough spots sometimes. Through this time, I have seen more love poured out to myself and family. Simple things- a meal, a card of encouragement, a phone call- mean so much. Sometimes we just need a little pick-me-up, and who better to help us with this than a girlfriend!

Many are fighting the Winter Blues right now! Winter, especially the months of January, February, and March, can be particularly depressing. Lack of sun and activity can make even the most even-tempered woman stir crazy! Below are a few helpful tips to get you back to your smiling, good-natured self.

Activity #1 Get Out Of Bed
...and out of those PJ's! We all have days where we do not want to get up and moving and dressed. Too many of these can lead to problems. If you are feeling low, dress-up nice that day. Looking good helps you feel better and to have a more positive outlook.

Activity #2 Allow The Sun Shine In
As soon as you get out of bed, fling open those curtains and allow the sun to shine in to your home. Sunshine is a great motivator.

Activity #3 Eat Right
Don't live on a lot of sugar and don't live on a lot of junk food. Eat those healthy vegetables and fruits. Lay off a bit on those carbs that weight you down and make you feel sluggish. While you are at it, drink those 6 to 8 glasses of water a day. If you eat right, you will feel better. If you feel better, you won't be as depressed.

Activity #4 Exercise
Exercise is known to raise our endorphins. When our endorphins are higher, we feel better. It is just a known fact. If it is too cold to exercise outside, consider joining a gym where you can interact with others or start exercising in your home.

Activity #5 Interact With Friends
Visit your friends. Call your friends on the phone. Plan an outing. Just do something that you enjoy doing with those you enjoy.

Activity #6 Take Time for Yourself
Read a book or take a relaxing bath. Find a hobby you enjoy and find time to do it each week.

Source: adapted from http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2622065/beating_the_winter_blues.html?cat=5

I hope these tips help - help you feel better and help you beat the blues. If these don't work, remember, you always have a friend here to chat with!

Your girlfriend,
Melinda