TIPS TO FEELING HAPPIER

Feeling down? Try one or more of these tips to feel better.

WORKOUT- Exercise distracts you from sad thoughts; works tension from your muscles and triggers the release of endorphins and seritonin (natural mood lifters). Just a ten minute walk can make you feel more cheerful and think more clear and positively.

LISTENING TO MUSIC- Every kind of music stimulates the amxgdala, the part of your brain that creates positive feelings. Your heart rate can also increase with the beat of a fast song, which can energize you. So, listen to an upbeat CD the next time your feeling down, or while doing homework, in the car, or when your bored.

EAT HEALTHY CARBS- Carbohydrates provide energy for your body and brain. If you don't eat enough of them (if you are on a low-carb diet) y9ou may feel tired and irritable. Try to eat one healthy carb food (something rich in fiber, like whole wheat bread or pasta) a day.

NATURAL LIGHT- Getting more sunshine (directly or through a window) lifts your mood. Try sleeping with your shades or curtains open, so when you wake up your room is full of natural light. You could also buy a "Therapy Light" which produces natural light and ions, to make you feel awake and refreshed in the morning and last throughout the whole day.

LAUGH- Research shows that laughing, even if forced initially, helps you to feel better because it triggers your brain to produce endorphins. Try watching a sitcom, or another funny show and laugh along, the next time your feeling down.

*Try wearing something you really like. Maybe your favorite outfits, shoes, do your hair in a different style, or put on some wild makeup. Knowing you look great puts you in a good mood.

Depressed?
Do you tend to feel unhappier during the fall and winter? You are not alone. About 5% of people suffer from a type of depression called Seasonal Affective Disorder, also known as "SAD". It is caused by lack of sunlight. Symptoms include; being really tired, craving carbs and sweets, and wanting to be along a lot. If you have Seasonal Affective Disorder, try using a Therapy Light. Just using it for about half an hour every morning could start to cure your disorder.

75% of people with Season Affective Disorder are women.