Nobody likes to talk about it, when all is supposed to be merry and bright, but this can be one of the most difficult times of the year. The stress of finding gifts—and paying for them, of having too little time to meet all your obligations, or even the stress of missing a loved one during the holidays can make this a season to be endured, rather than celebrated.
Who can live up to those television commercials that depict wholesome, smiling families celebrating conspicuous consumption?
Adding to the stress is the very real problem known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which is a form of depression thought to be caused by too little exposure to sunlight during the dark winter months. My mother used to call it “cabin fever.”
Regular exercise is the all-time winner for elevating or enhancing a person’s mood. In colder climates people can get out and shovel snow. They may be angry about it when they start, but by the time they finish they usually are exhausted and content (I know this first-hand). They are exercising and they are out in the sun—a great combination. Use common sense, however. If you are not healthy enough for regular exercise, shoveling snow is not the way to start!
Here on the Texas Gulf Coast, it’s not too late in the year to rake leaves or to get out and run or walk every day. Better yet, combine a gym workout with running or walking to promote overall fitness. It’s a fact that exercise produces mood-enhancing brain chemicals that will help counteract those thoughts that might bring you down over the holiday season.
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