I always get a little miserable at this time of year, my flower farming seems like a distant but wonderful dream, my energy goes and the world looks bleak. But I have developed my own set of pointers to lift myself out of it…and for me at least they work.
Why not give them a try?
- Get some exercise. Exercise is well documented as being the single biggest destroyer of mild winter depression. Not only will it make you feel better but will make you look better too…which will make you feel even better…which will make you look even better…which …
- Eat bananas and chicken. They have Trptophan in them, which is great for lifting the spirits…egs and milk have it too.
- Get a light box and use it. Half an hour in front of these glowing boxes of love will sort you out and make you ready for the day. Maplin sell them for less than 40 quid.
- Socilaise. Phone your friends, see your Great Aunt Gurty, go and say hi to the neighbours. Human contact keeps the happy juice juicing.
- Be grateful…if I was American I might say…’Get a gratitude attitude’, but I’m not, so I won’t. There is plenty to be grateful for…when something good happens during the day…note it…be glad. Simples. (Don’t knock it till you’ve tried it!)
- Wear clothes that make you feel good…keep them bright if you can…colours rock out for the free world.
- Don’t watch ‘The Texas Chainsaw Massacre’.
- Eat well…yes I’m talking about those boring five a day…(yawn yawn)…if you eat rubbish, you’ll feel rubbish.
- If you can…get away to the sun…not all of us can afford this option…but if you can…why not?
- Don’t let my Dad get you involved in a conversation about the importance of pensions and saving for the future.
- There is absolutely no medical evidence that St John’s Wort has any benefit to those suffering from mild depression. BUT…it works for me…placebo or no placebo…see if I care….try it…but not if you’re ‘up the duff.”
Kindest regards
Ben
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November 19, 2011 @ 7:58 pm
Winter blues are the absolute worst but I definitely agree with all your wise tips here to keep you smiling. Another one that works for me is spend time with animals. They have a calming effect and can be little comedians. If you don’t have any pets go to a petting farm and say hello to a goat or llama. Their cheeky faces always make me feel better about the world :)
November 21, 2011 @ 11:55 am
Thanks Victoria, I shall go ant find a goat to say hello to at the weekend. If for no other reason than I don’t think I have shared pleasantries with a goat before. :)
November 17, 2011 @ 1:21 am
I am still working out in the garden-weeding, spreading mulch, cutting back, raking leaves etc. Exercise and fresh air, sometimes even some sunshine-keeps me fit and happy.
November 17, 2011 @ 8:54 am
Yes, there’s still lots to be done. I’m sure that some of us go into a semi hibernation mode however…and finding the drive to get out there is diminished. I jump out of bed at 6am in the summer…now it’s something of an effort! :)