Mid winter blues got you down?
We still have snow on the ground,(no really, we have a ton of snow and it's still coming down!) and everyone around me is starting to long for winter to be over.
There are a lot of good ways to keep a smile on your face.
Why not try these three scientifically supported practices that always work for me?
1. Eat Fish!
Did you know that omega-3's can help with depression, including Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)? Yep! Studies have shown that omega-3s appear to help maintain healthy levels of the brain chemicals dopamine and serotonin.
Because our bodies cannot make these essential omega-3 fatty acids, we’ve got to eat them. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends eating fish (particularly fatty fish) at least two times a week. I say the more the merrier, but twice a week is a good start :)
2. Get Outside
Just like you, I'm a busy person, but I make it a priority to get outside everyday. I tell myself it's just a ten minute walk, but usually end up walking more like 20 minutes because it just feels so good. You might not think 10 minutes could make a difference, but studies have shown that even just a 10 minute walk releases endorphins or "feel-good" chemicals in the brain which can help ease depression.
3. Be Grateful
Research by Robert A. Emmons, Ph.D. confirms that gratitude effectively increases happiness and reduces depression. When winter starts to feel long it might help to remind yourself of how much you love to ski. Tired of shoveling snow? It's a great workout! Tired of the cold and rain? Remember how important all that precipitation is for the dry months of summer. Choosing gratitude may take practice, but it leads to an immediate shift in mood!
In our home, instead of longing for spring, we try to savor the last bit of winter. It won't be long before we're waving goodbye to Rich, packing away the winter coats, and gearing up for a busy Farmers Market season.
Enjoy,
- Sena C Wheeler
www.senasea.com
Sena holds degrees in nutrition and food science in addition to being a Mom, foodie, and third generation fisherman's wife. Visit her at SenaSea.com where she blogs about family, fish and food. 
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