Dreading Winter Here Are Some Fall Pick-Me-Ups

Dreading Winter Here Are Some Fall Pick-Me-Ups If youre like me, it can get a little challenging navigating the murky waters of this time of year.  Its part of my annual ritual of dreading winter.  Theres less and less daylight.  Were in the midst of Autumn, which means the fun of Summer is just a memory.  And while the coming holidays are a welcome social celebration, they also mean the added stress of shopping, preparing huge meals, more shopping, prepping the house and office and maybe even the car to look festive, and yes, still more shopping. On top of all that, in this particular year weve been deluged with more than one-too-many October surprises.  I mean, your voter registration card should have a prescription for Zanax attached! So its good to have some little diversions and pick-me-ups to put and keep a genuine smile on your face.  One that isnt hiding a clenched jaw!  Here are some of my favorites. Take A Spa Break  Massage Who doesnt love a good massage?  Whether its a traditional muscle-relaxing deep tissue massage or a Swedish massage with hot stones,  they not only relieve minor aches and pains, but also reduce stress. Even after a short session, you’ll be energized and relaxed. Facials A good facial isnt just to  renew and soften your skin.  It also relieves tension. Many facials and peels provide aromatherapy as they hydrate and rejuvenate your skin. For an added luxury make sure to get a temple and scalp massage while having your facial.  Youll feel refreshed inside and out! Manicure and Pedicure Feeling just a bit pampered always helps to calm the shattered nerves.  Theres nothing quite like drifting off into relaxed oblivion while enjoying a pedi.  But even the idle chatter with your nail tech can help to re-connect with the lighter side of their life and yours. Embrace Nature Spending hours and hours indoors during the week can cause anyone to feel a little stressed. However, by having somewhere that you can go outdoors and get away from your daily routines for a few minutes, Paul Randall Smith   states that you can get yourself some great natural stress relief  just by getting outside.    The fresh air and sunlight are often just what your body needs to recenter itself and come back to the busy world prepared to accomplish all you have on your plate for the day. Try Yoga or Meditate Ms Career Girl columnist Beth Leslie reminds us that our mind and body are intrinsically interlinked.  Yoga is as much about mediation as exercise because practitioners understand that you cannot give something your all without using your mind and body together. If yoga isnt your thing or just feels too intimidating, try meditation.  It doesnt have to be a mystical session complete with chants.  A simple five minute session of relaxation, controlled breathing, and letting go of the minds chatter will work wonders. Remember Your Diet Yes, Fall and Winter are full of opportunities to indulge in foods we might otherwise avoid.  But its important to remember that foods, or more particularly the chemicals within them, play a huge part in our mood.  As HealthLine.com says: Blood sugar spikes and drops can leave you with a short-lived burst of energy followed by a tired, cranky feeling. For best mood results, you should also limit alcohol, since its a depressant and can disturb your sleep. Theres a clear relationship between food and your state of mind. When you combine strategies for eating regularly with foods that may have a positive effect on your well-being, you can plan meals that may help you to feel better. Need even more creative ways to bounce back and up out of the winter doldrums?  Check out these tips from author Patti Clark in an article on Ms Career Girl earlier this year. Image credits Main