Psyche Yourself Out

Do you suffer from low energy or depression? In metropolitan, Phoenix Arizona, summertime can trigger inside “blues” as the  hot, desert, climate averages 110 degrees. Arizona’s scorching summer is equivalent to cold winters in the rest of the country, so “cabin fever” is quite common.We have to be inside air conditioning  much of the time to avoid the harsh sun. As a result, depression can easily set in and some medications can also become less effective. Heat stroke is also common, endangering children and the elderly alike. So what is a gal or guy to do? Psych yourself out by trying 10 strategies that are sure to help you beat the heat.

(1) get out of the house as much as possible.

(2) Utilize public air conditioned spaces such as the library, mall, or your local YMCA gym facilities.

(3) See a movie with friends or join a book club.

(4) Get physically active by walking inside the mall, rollerskating, or taking dance classes. Swimming is another great activity that can be enjoyed year round inside. When outdoors, use sunscreen however, and limit to an hour or less. Yes, adults need/deserve fun activities like the kids; this also helps immensely to boost endorphins, the body’s “feel good” chemicals.

(5) Do some kind of arts and crafts such as scrapbooking every day.  There’s something about this that is calming to the mind and body.

(6) Get into a healthy routine with varied activities that stimulate the mine and body. Manage your time wisely; clean out the closets or cabinets. Sitting and watching tv all day or sleeping a lot will only add to the blues and diminish energy.

(7) Think positively! Thoughts eventually become reality and really effect attitude as well as mood. Reciting affirmations daily, meditating, as well as focusing on gratitude, goes a long way to combat depression and put things in perspective.

(8) Turn on the lights. Spend time in well lit areas, such as by windows, under skylights, or near bright lights at work or home. For me, I’ve found that fluorescent only aggravates the eyes and can give the opposite effect.  Overall, light boosts serotonin; a neurotransmitter found in the brain that also tends to elevate mood.

(9) Eat smart! Enjoy plenty fresh fruit and vegetables, avoiding or limiting sugar and processed food. Salads and lean meats can really boost your mood and actually feed your brain tons of great nutrients. I’ve noticed immediate effects just from eating a salad for lunch!

(10) Pick up the telephone. Isolating won’t solve anything and will actually make matters worse. Ensure you have have a healthy support system of people who can listen and uplift you when the doldrums appear. Never underestimate the power of caring friends and family who love you unconditionally and can cheer you up with humor.

I know depression is tough..ok, miserable; but you can’t let it ruin your life. You must fight it every day, with positivity and planning. Remember you’re not alone and will be ok… just don’t give into it and give these tips a try. Have hope. Seek help. Notice what works for you and create some other strategies of your own. Share them with other bloggers/friends and psych yourself out today!

Cleanse Your Palate

Water is the lifeblood of our cells and all of    living plants and animals. It takes many    forms, just like the variety in the foods we    eat or thoughts we think. Each comes from  one Source and then merely transforms.

Given the toxicity of today’s climate, culture, and behavior, daily cleansing of our palate is essential to remove all the negative sentiment that we’re bombarded with.

Cleansing can take many forms depending on our desired outcome. Drinking pure water cleanses our taste-buds as well as aids in digestion and washes away dirt, bacteria, sweat and odor. Meditation cleanses our mental palate from monkey-mind chatter that blocks our innate wisdom from being heard. Exercise cleanses our physical body of fat, toxins, and other chemicals while facilitating increased circulation of oxygen, releasing all sorts of feel-good endorphins. Prayer cleanses a fearful palate from worry, indecision, or uncertainty and restores faith, balance, and serenity. Healthy eating cleanses our colon, keeps our heart strong, and sharpens our minds. Maybe you need an emotional cleansing to release pent up anger, frustration,  disappointment, or resentment that has built up over time. Perhaps your living environment has become cluttered or down right dirty, inhibiting rest and relaxation so now its time for a thorough cleaning.

As you can see, there a many ways to cleanse our palates and the above is by no means an exhaustive list. A funny thing happens when we cleanse our palate however; we acquire a taste for more that becomes infectious, and as one area is cleaned, our motivation for others sore.

So, if you have been struggling or just lost your taste for life, consider that you may need to cleanse your palate in order to appreciate the fullness of life once again.

I can’t wait to hear your responses and remedies on the matter. Please write your comments and cleanse your palate today!