My column from January 13, 2017.
When feeling down in the dumps, one of my favorite ways to
lift my mood is to find a cute animal video online.
It becomes much harder to feel grumpy when watching puppies
or kittens frolic, chubby baby pandas taking turns going down a slide or sloths
hanging out after a bath.
Sometimes the cute animal videos make the news. Owners of a
convenience store in Toronto shared surveillance footage of stealthy squirrels
that slip in the front door to shoplift nutty candy bars as part of a plea for
ideas on how to prevent the theft. Simply closing the door is not an option, as
the store feels stuffy (and an open door is more likely to bring in customers,
not just larcenous squirrels.)
I sympathize with the storeowners. Shoplifting, even when
committed by tiny, furry beasts, costs business owners far too much. Those poor
squirrels clearly have a need for chocolate though– and studies show that dark
chocolate stimulates the production of endorphins- brain chemicals that bring
feelings of pleasure. I tend to squirrel away stashes of chocolate at home, the
office and in my purse for a quick mood-lifting fix.
Exposure to the sun can help improve one’s mood, a resource
that can be rare during winter months. Listening to upbeat music serves as
another spirit enhancer, one that I try to use cautiously, given my tendency to
sing along or start dancing at my desk. Such behavior can disrupt (or wildly
entertain) the workplace.
Studies suggest scents can help lift spirits. Try using a
candle, essential oil diffuser or a roll-on. The scent of lemon can induce
feelings of joy, lavender can calm and peppermint improves concentration. If
you can track down scratch and sniff stickers, that could be a fun way to
enhance your mood. Those were one of the best rewards for good work in
school—even the ones that smelled like a freshly cut lawn, licorice or leather.
Orange, grape, pizza and popcorn remain my favorites.
Sometimes just taking a few moments to focus on your
breathing can help improve your mood. When we become tense we tend to take
rapid, shallow breaths. A few deep belly breaths can help calm and center you.
Recent weather (and road) conditions have denied me access
to one of my most reliable methods of boosting my spirits – going for a run.
Sub-zero temps earlier this month did not deter me, I just added more layers.
But ice-coated streets and sidewalks make running too hazardous, especially
after a slip and fall. I own a pair of ice/snow cleats that fit over boots or
running shoes and tried to go for a run on Wednesday morning, but even those
did not offer enough grip to pick up the pace safely. A friend and I made it
for about 1/3 of a mile before opting to visit a gym for a cardio-focused
workout. While not nearly as satisfying as a long run, working up a sweat helps
my mood. I often call exercise my “sweat-therapy.”
How do you combat the winter blahs?
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