January 2005
Hearts
The end of a busy, highly emotionally charged time can lead a person to succumb to a melancholy or blue feeling if he or she is not aware of the tendency and prepared to deal with the natural slow down following the extended Holiday Season of Christmas and New Year.
To avoid getting into this slump one can take advantage of this quiet pause and plan ahead for the upcoming year’s events. If shopping has still a strong appeal and the budget allows, one can find some terrific bargains in the year end sales. Should you find yourself overstocked with leftover party treats, throw an impromptu game evening and invite some friends over to help you clear out the pantry. You will be helping them dodge the inactivity let down as well.
If you fear all the holiday treats have stuck with you in the form of a few extra pounds, take advantage of this unusual warm weather and begin a daily walk. It is best to steer clear of fad or crash diets. Statistics reveal that these radical approaches just do not produce lasting results. Health experts advise that drastic weight variances are actually more harmful to the body’s function than a little extra weight. Gradual, steady weight loss is the recommended solution for maintaining good health. As dull as it may appear, there just is no better way to reach a constant health status than to reduce caloric intake and increase metabolic rate with some form of exercise (20 minutes, three times a week).
Remember that less caloric intake doesn’t have to mean less food. Learn to eat smarter, not shorter. A big serving of fresh veggies and fruit will be just as filling as cream pie and roast duck, with much less calories.
To compensate for the many activities that consumed time during an extended holiday celebration, consider beginning a new hobby or project. If you choose something that stimulates the brain to think in different modes, such as learning a new language, you will not only fill your time but enhance your mental abilities. This might be the opportune time to learn to use a computer, or to edit photos on your computer. Many interesting and challenging projects are lurking around your mind if you just relax and invite new ideas to surface.
Before very long, the winter months will have faded and a whole bevy of activity will be upon us as spring bounces into life.