I swear I can feel my body begin to change as summer fades away and fall slips in. The dark sky, the colder weather, the falling of the leaves – all reminders that winter is approaching. This is the time when I begin to feel my body and mood change. I smile less. I feel tired more often. The fall allergies begin to take over my body. All things that affect my mood. I don’t like this feeling. I don’t want to accept this feeling. My daddy always said “we just have seasonal depression”. Well this little lady refuses to accept, what my father referred to, this as our “family trait”. I refuse to carry this any further for the sake of my children and my sanity. So I hit the books.

OK, I did not hit the books but I did hit the Internet and began to research this burden. From speaking with therapists, holistic doctors, and my readings – I was able to develop a plan that works for me. Now, before moving any further I want to say that THIS IS NOT MEDICAL ADVICE. I am not a doctor nor do I pretend to play one. I am only sharing some methods that are working for me.

Up the C: I started increasing my vitamin C which is a need. This “lack” of sun means less of nature’s goodness. Anything to supplement that lass is a win win.

Eat Healthy: Ok, this should be advice for everything but we don’t always follow it. I know I don’t. So during this “time of darkness” it is important to put a lot of good stuff into our bodies to counteract the environment.

Exercise: If you have been wanting to start exercising, now is the time. This is my favorite time to run, when the air is cool and crisp. I love stepping out of a sweaty yoga class into the cold air. It feels like…victory.

Probiotics: This is a supplement that should be part of everyone’s daily regimen. All ailments come from the gut area so probiotic will help you build and sustain a healthy gut pumping in good bacteria. Yes you can get this from eating yogurt and items like that but I like the extra “boost” probiotics give me.  A healthy gut has proven to lift moods and lessen depression.

Laugh: Yes that’s right laugh. Having a hefty dose of laughter is the best cure for any blues. Just take a look at the world around you and you will find plenty to laugh about.

What methods do you use to lift your spirits?