All the bad news fit to print getting you down? Feeling helpless and hopeless about the tsunami, the winter storms, too much rain, the war? Sometimes it can be overwhelming. The problem is, when you feel that way, it is hard to get anything done. There are a few sure fire ways to beat the winter doldrums. See if one of these will work for you.

First make sure it isn't a chemical imbalance. I notice that I get a little down when I forget to take my vitamins, or when I don't get enough sleep. If you live in a northern state with a stingy winter sun, you may have Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) - a condition that results from too little exposure to the sun. Here is s link that may help. http://www.cnn.com/HEALTH/alternative/9907/12/sun.depression/index.html

If you have been under extreme stress, your endorphin tank may be low, or you may have some other chemical imbalance. Even if you don't think you can afford it, take a day or a weekend off and let others run the world for a change. The planet will still spin if you take some R&R on the beach or at the spa for a day. Make sure you are getting enough greens and healthy food in your diet. And get to bed a little early for the next week or so. (I know, with kids that can be tough, but trust me, they will figure it out… if you don't get some rest, they will HAVE to figure it out when they are home and you're in the hospital!)

You may just have good old-fashioned post-holiday depression. Relax -we all go through it from time to time - usually when holiday credit card bills arrive. A few suggestions:

1. Remember - other people are feeling it too. Sometimes it helps to help others. Think of ways you can brighten the lives of those around you. Check in with a phone call or a note and tell them they matter. Send flowers, or a gift certificate for no reason. I recently left a cheery message on a friend's phone and got an amazing response. He said his father had just died and he was completely at sea. He hadn't told anyone yet. He said, "How on earth did you know? Your phone call gave me the strength to carry on."
2. Stop by a charity organization today and pitch in. What can you bring to the homeless shelter, the domestic abuse shelter, your local hospital or the clothing drive at your church or Goodwill? Give something away - doesn't matter if it is goods, time or energy. It will remind you that you have more than you know, and you are, indeed, fortunate. Celebrate your abundance instead of focusing on lack.
3. If you own a small business and you are having a hard time making those sales calls-try calling a few members of your fan club. They will be happy to hear from you and it will remind you what a difference you make in the world. If you don't own a business, think of three people who love you and call them or drop them a note just to say hi. The effort alone will make you feel better and you will spread a little sunshine on the way.
4. Do something you have wanted to do but haven't taken the time: decide to see that play or movie tonight. Take a few hours off this evening and read the book you set aside. Get a few friends together and go dancing. Find a new hobby and get started.
5. Find one project you set aside and focus on finishing it. Closure is good for the soul. It opens the door to new beginnings. Get maximum punch from it and brag about finishing it to someone who cares. If you can't think of anyone, drop me a line and I will ooh and ahh for you.

Do you see a common theme here? The real secret is ACTIVITY. Doing something other than playing "pity-poor-me" is a surefire way for getting over depression and for getting over yourself! Just remember my Dad's two favorite lines: "What's the lesson?" and "This, too, shall pass."

Take care of yourself! The world has enough crazy people in it, we don't need one more.
A hui hou,
Beth