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Winnie The Pooh Day

January 18, 2012 by · Comments Off on Winnie The Pooh Day 

Winnie The Pooh DayWinnie The Pooh Day, If you grew up with “Winnie-the-Pooh,” you no doubt are familiar with the character Eeyore. This sad, down-in-the-dumps donkey has trouble seeing the good in anything. Many of us develop a similar “Eeyore mentality” during the winter.

With the time change and less daylight, it’s common to contract a mild case of the “winter blues,” but the symptoms also can become more serious. Some individuals find themselves suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD. Symptoms of SAD include depressed mood, anxiety, irritability, fatigue, carbohydrate-craving and weight gain or loss.

Here are some tips for fighting the winter blues:

Create a mood-boosting plan: Include things such as your favorite music or movies, light therapy, social contact with family and friends, a healthy diet and plenty of exercise. Figure out what makes you the happiest during the dark days of winter and do what you can to incorporate these things into your life.

Enjoy the sunshine: Even when it’s cold, if at all possible, get outside and soak up some rays. Multiple studies confirm the uplifting impact of light. On a sunny day, the brightness outdoors is much greater than the light emitted from a high-intensity indoor fixture. Bundle up and enjoy open-air activities such as a brisk walk.

Get moving: Increasing your exercise in the winter can provide a powerful lift to your mood and energy. If you find it difficult to be active outside during the day when the sun is shining, find ways to work out at home or in the gym in the early mornings or evenings.

Eat for energy: Combine lean protein, complex carbohydrates and a healthy dose of vegetables in your meals to get the best boost. Fish, beans, nuts and seeds are smart additions to most diets and because of their nutrients often are called “good mood food.” Limit your consumption of alcohol, sugar and high-fat foods, all of which may temporarily lift your spirits but then leave you feeling tired and down.

Change your thinking: Instead of saying something negative such as “I hate winter” or “It’s never going to end,” talk about the season in more affirming ways. For example, you could say “Winter is a challenge, but when I meet that challenge, it makes me stronger.” Reframe your thoughts in a positive way to make it easier to get through the winter.

It also helps to remember that spring is just around the corner, and soon we’ll see signs of new life and renewed energy all around us. A sense of optimism and hope can keep us going during the dark days of winter.

Callie Sanders is a social work intern for Youth First, Inc., a local not-for-profit focused on preventing substance abuse, promoting healthy behaviors, and maximizing student success. To learn more, call 812-421-8336 or visit www.youthfirstinc.org.

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