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Health & Fitness

Soup Weather

I don't know about you other St Pete Newbies, but one of the reasons I moved to Florida was for the sun.  I grew up in Michigan (a state which only gets consistent sun three-ish months out of the year) and as a result carried seasonal affective disorder with me for most of my life. 

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) typically occurs in the winter or at times of year when there is less sunlight.  It's why many of us feel lethargic or down in the dumps when it rains.  Living in Florida has certainly helped to treat my SAD, but on days like today I always feel a little extra sluggish.  Here are my tips for coping with SAD/rainy day syndrome.

1.  Eat well.  This is a big one.  If eating well is hard for you just start small.  Add a serving of veggies and fruits a day and eat less red meat and more fish.  You need the vitamin D that is plentiful in fish like salmon, tuna, and cod.  Don't like fish?  Try eggs.  But be careful, because egg yolks can significantly raise your cholesterol. 

2.  Excercize.  Another hard one for most people, especially on rainy days.  If you don't have a gym membership or dumbbells at home I recommend yoga.  I recommend yoga anyway.  Especially on rainy days when it's hard to get moving.  One of my favorite instructors for beginners (I've been practicing on and off for almost ten years and still feel like a beginner) is Tara Styles.  She has great, simple, easy to follow/modify tutorials here  http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0632B348AB9BD822.  She even has specific routines to help with things like back pain or abdominal strength.  You don't have to do a lot and you don't have to be a guru.  Just a little bit of physical activity will help keep you from moping on the couch all day.

3.  Feel cozy/pretty.  Wear PJs, wear high heeled boots, where whatever makes you feel good about yourself.  When the weather is ugly it's easy to start feeling ugly yourself.  Don't let yourself get caught up in an ugly day.  Include the kids and play dress-up.

4.  Find excuses to get out.  Can't go to the park or the beach... try the library.  There are weekly activities for people of all ages at the library.  Puppet shows, craft time, book clubs, talks.  This weekend at the main library they are having a superhero themed event.  http://www.tampabay.com/things-to-do/event-detail/super-hero-book-bash/109239

There are also tons of aquariums and museums.  Go to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium and see Winter from Dolphin Tale http://www.seewinter.com/.  Don't forget about free museum day for Pinellas  county residents.  http://www.stpete.org/arts_and_culture/arts_alive_-_free_museum_day.asp

5.  Do something special for yourself.  Watch a movie you've been meaning to see.  Bake some cookies, treat yourself to a massage, drink a glass of wine while running a bath.  Do something to feel relaxed and special. 

6. Find a buddy.  Call a friend, write a letter, go out to eat.  Don't let the weather keep you isolated.

7.  Family time.  Tell stories, do crafts, play a board game (or a video game), do something together.

Whatever you do, make a rainy day count.  Don't sit in the doldrums.  Accomplish something.  Rainy days are opportunities too.




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