by Janet Hughes

Created on: December 02, 2008   Last Updated: April 10, 2011

With the dark and dreary days of winter upon us it is nice to bring a little sunshine back into our lives with some quick and easy pick me ups. Here are a few suggestions to keep you living on a lighter note:

Listen to your Favorite Music

Music has be proven time and time again to activate areas of the brain that are responsible for mood; so next time you are feeling a little blue put on your favorite song, turn up the volume, and sing along. You will be feeling better by the time the last notes are played!

See, Smell and Taste

In addition to music science tells us that pleasant sights, smells and foods can elicit feel good chemicals in the brain too. A trip to your favorite vista, the wafting scent of flowers or vanilla, or a small decadent delight could have you smiling in no time, so take the time to add these small pleasures to any dark day.

Touch Therapy

That's right go ahead and get a massage, its good for you. Whether you visit a professional massage therapist or spend some quality touch time with that special person in your life, you will benefit from the pleasure boosting effects of massage. As all the tension begins to melt away and your sympathetic nervous system kicks into high gear, you can't help but feel a little lighter and brighter.

Move that Body

I know that when I feel down the last thing I want to do is exercise, but as a professional personal trainer, I also know that it is one of the best things for me. Exercise helps to relieve stress; increases energy flow; requires concentration (there is no time to worry about the laundry when you are focused on getting through your leg press set!); increases blood flow and oxygen to the brain; and generally works out any stress, aggravation and tension you may be experiencing.

Get out with Friends

Spending time laughing and talking with people you enjoy is also a sure way to brighten any dreary day. For a quick pick me up give that person who always makes you laugh a call during the day. Or organize a weekly lunch date with some of your favorite people to help keep the blues at bay permanently!

And finally ....... Hide from the World!

Yes, after it is all said and done sometimes on a blah day the best way to pick your self up is to curl up under the covers and take a break from all that is draining, negative and unhappy in the world. So give yourself permission now and then to retreat to your own happy inner world. Mediate, go to Church, spend time in nature, or curl up in a quite place and get a little more sleep.

When you are ready to emerge from you quiet time I am sure the world with be a more inviting place again.

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