SNAP OUT OF IT!

By Susan Farrell

This time of year, as we anxiously await Spring's full arrival, is often the time we are the most depressed and negative. Why? Well, it is most likely a combination of things. Physiologically, we have been experiencing less hours of sunlight, often resulting in lower Vitamin C absorption. This lowers our resistancy to illnesses as well as lowers our energy level. We become more sedentary and that in turn also decreases our energy level. Less energy, less activity, more sedentary ... it's a downward cycle.

Additionally, we are in the post-holiday season, often dealing with bills that are a result of the holidays, stressfully preparing for tax filings and having to beat that April 15th deadline, and just beginning to really deal with a new year's worth of expenses and issues that we hope to overcome.

Given all that, I think this time of year is much more stressing than even the pre-Christmas season!

So what do we do about it? Well, SNAP OUT OF IT! Here's a few ideas on how:

• Increase your vitamin consumption if you can. Whether in the form of a daily multi-vitamin or in the types of foods you eat, you want to increase your vitamin consumption, particularly Vitamin C.



• Make a list of those items that seem to be hanging over your head. taxes, bills, budgeting, home repairs, keeping in touch with friends, etc. Then set aside a set time one day each week that you will devote to just working on this list. I recommend a morning, on a weekend, when the kids are occupied elsewhere (sleeping, on visitation, etc.), and you can focus on the tasks without interruption or distraction. I find if I get up early and start on the list right away, I get more accomplished. If I wait until after doing other things, it just gets put off until "later," often never even happening.



• Set a goal and reward yourself. For example, for completing 3 tasks on your list, treat yourself to a meal or dessert out. Remember to pat yourself on the back and take pride in your accomplishments.



• Take time to count your blessings. I recommend some quiet time to yourself at least once a week. During this time, reflect on your blessings and accomplishments. (See Sound of Silence for more suggestions.) Give yourself credit as a single mom, you do a great deal and manage to overcome challenges that not everyone can meet and surpass like you do. Take the credit and pat yourself on the back! Let me give you a sample list to start: your health and that of your children, your senses, your endurance, a roof over your heads, clothing on your backs, shoes, food, love, family, friends, intelligence (after all, you are using a computer to read this!), the glory of the world around you.



• Focus on the positive and on being positive. Whenever you find yourself thinking negatively about things that are upsetting and depressing, turn it around and think positively and how you can change things. Remember you can choose how you think and feel. Choose positively.



• Do something to make a positive difference in someone else's life. For example, share a smile and pay a compliment to someone. After all, it is contagious ... and I'd love to be responsible for that kind of epidemic!