If you’ve been suffering from SAD (seasonal affective disorder)
these past few months and you need something to help
you break out of the Winter rut, and help you boost moods
and happiness levels, you’re in luck.

Listed below, are some natural remedies to get you (and your
moods) ready for the upcoming Spring and Summer seasons.

The natural remedies:

a) Walk More-
Taking strolls now that the weather is warming up is a great way to
boost moods. In fact, some alternative healers say that walking
outdoors (under the Sun) may be even better for you than
taking antidepressants.
Walking boosts the production of stress-busting endorphins,
and this in turn, reduces the stress hormones and alleviates
any sign of depression.
Aim to walk 15 to 20 minutes each day and after a
month or two, increase the time to 30 to 40 minutes.

b) Easy Listening-
If you’re a fan of music and want to improve your moods,
then there’s some good news for you, the news:
Listening to music for an hour each day can boost mood
and energy levels by 50%. Calming music has the ability
to prod brain neurons to release 2 happiness-boosting,
fatigue-fighting hormones- dopamine and serotonin.
Important tip:
You may be a fan of “gansta” rap, but it’s best you stick to
tunes that were produced in the 60’s through 80’s.
Fleetwood Mac, Cyndi Lauper, The Jackson 5, Madonna,
Carol King, Huey Lewis and the News or Carly Simon.

c) Scented Candles-
If you’re aware of aromatherapy, then this tip is for you.
Aromatherapy? Yes, healing the body and mind
using scents, and if you want improved and better moods-
use Vanilla.
That’s right, the stuff you use to bake cookies or cakes,
can help you feel happier and more relaxed in a matter of minutes.
The scent of vanilla calms the limbic system-the emotional control
center of your brain.
Important tip:
Look for a top quality vanilla scented candles. Avoid those that emit
harmful toxins, as these toxins can affect everything from your
breathing to your hormones.
Look for soy wax, beeswax, or coconut wax candles and also
make sure the wicks are up to standards, so look for candles
with cotton, hemp or wood wicks. (no metal wicks).
Important tip:
You can also buy vanilla-scented perfume or essential oils
and pour into a napkin and take a deep whiff whenever you’re feeling
stressed.

d) Pet Therapy-
You probably already know about the benefits of pets, (cats and dogs)
but did you know that petting or hugging a pet can boost
moods in a matter of days?
Researchers also say that looking at youtube videos (of dogs and cats), or
pet-sitting your neighbor’s dogs can rapidly increase the production of
oxytocin, the brain chemical that triggers true happiness.
Important tip:
Don’t have access to your own dog or cat?
Animal shelters always need volunteers. You can hug and pet
as many animals as you want, the pets will appreciate it
and your nervous system will certainly appreciate it.

f) A Food Tip-
When preparing your grocery list for this week, make sure to
include plenty of the Spring-time veggie known as Asparagus.
Why asparagus?
It’s loaded with 3 compounds (vitamin K, folate and phenolic
acids) and it’s a trio that heightens your brain’s ability to absorb
energizing blood glucose, plus produce focus-enhancing
beta waves.
Eating some a few times a week can lift your moods for
4 to 5 hours straight.
Important tip:
When making asparagus, make sure to surround it with foods
that will complement your new and improved moods.
Simply put, avoid the overly processed and sugary foods
that are the mainstays of the SAD (Standard American Diet).

g) A Recipe For Improved Moods-
The Recipe: Pasta and Asparagus!
Ingredients:
1/2 box of pasta, rotini, or ziti. (regular, whole grain or gluten-free)
2 Tbs. extra virgin olive oil
8 Asparagus spears, trimmed and cut onto an angle into 2″ pieces
1 clove garlic, chopped
1 tsp. lemon zest (make sure to clean the peel well)
2 Tbs. Parmesan or Romano cheese (grated)
————————————————————————————————————–
To make:
Cook pasta according to the directions on the box. Drain.
Heat up a skillet and add the oil, medium-heat.
Throw in the asparagus and garlic.
Cook 3 to 4 mins. until tender. Add pasta, remaining oil and zest;
toss until coated. Add some salt, pepper and herbs (dried basil or parsley).
Sprinkle on the cheese and serve. Enough for 2 servings.

Sources:
* Song Kim, Ph.D.
* Canadian Researchers
* Penn State University