Ways to beat the winter blues

I was on another forum yesterday and was surprized by the number of members who experience seasonal depression. I think we all do to a certain extent. How do you cope with the winter blues?

One book I read said to give into it. Take the day off and sleep in. Watch movies or read a good book. Curl up with a blanket and a cup of hot chocolate. Where I live we don't really get any snow but, we get a lot of rain. I have enjoyed many of a cold rainy day snuggled up in front of the tv set! A great excuse to pamper myself. Plan ahead. Arrange one day where you don't have to go anywhere or do any tasks. Have a big pot of soup or chili cooked the night before.

That sounds good to me. Where I live we do get snow, but then we get the rain also. I hate the freezing rain. It never fails I fall everytime (lol)Hmmm let me see what good movies I have.(Im planning ahead)

There's nothing wrong with giving in to it occasionally. It's good just to take a rest from life.
For people who have a more severe case of seasonal depression there are some things they can do to help out a bit.

One thing is Increase your lighting. Turn more on, buy brighter bulbs during this season. Keep the room you are in the most as bright as possible. Stay out of dark colored rooms, including brown paneling, as much as possible.

Music lovers...Turn it up. Oldies, pop, christian rock and pop. (Not classical, jazz, gospel hymns..as these are soft, comforting and have the opposite effect.)
Turn it up at a good volume that will get your feet tapping and mind busy with the feel good beat of the music.

I agree, countrybelle, music does it every time. The lighting does make a difference. Our rooms are all light colored, and I haven't noticed any problems, other than people not wanting to get out of bed on cold days...lol. And nothing beats family time.

Trina you are so right. I found I had to change some things in all of my rooms. Everything was so dark and drab after awhile.
I love dark rich colors to kinda hide any imperfections, but now I have incorporated some lighter colors and it does make a big difference in my attitude and the way I feel each day.

And as far as music, music does a body real good.

Hi all, I already posted this one in Kitchen fun misc... but it applies here too!

Peppermint Oil - Aloe Vera Gel

This refreshing gel, “wakes up” your body
when applied (in small to medium amounts)
to the back of your neck. It can also be
applied to your wrists, inside the bend
of your arm, on your stomach, to the
low back, to the back of your knees
and/or to the arches of your feet.
But not all at one time! The results can be
felt within 10 minutes after application and,
it can be used up to 4 times per day.

Recipe:
2 tablespoons - clear “Aloe Vera Gel “
15 drops - “Peppermint Oil