| You have permission to publish this article electronically | | | | she moved faraway, or your best friend who |
| or inprint, free of charge, as long as the bylines are | | | | transferred to another country -let them know you're |
| included. Acourtesy copy of your publication would be | | | | thinking of them. |
| appreciated. | | | | 7. Just For You |
| Curing the Blues | | | | Have you wanted that delicate pair of earrings for |
| 14 "Feel-Good" Ways to Get Out of the Dumps | | | | awhile butkept putting off the purchase? Give yourself |
| By Heather Diodati | | | | a special gift - youdeserve it! |
| Everyone goes through that "in the blues" feeling once | | | | 8. Seize the Day! |
| in awhile. | | | | It's a beautiful day! Invite a friend out for a walk to |
| The best cure is to be around people that you care | | | | enjoy thesunshine and fresh air; the peaceful sounds |
| about; family,friends; and keeping yourself busy enough | | | | of the birds and thewind blowing through the trees. Or |
| to change your mind. | | | | go for an aerobic power walkwith your friend or by |
| Here are some "mood changers" to help you | | | | yourself. It's a well-known fact thatexercise releases |
| overcome those "down-in-the-dumps" feelings. | | | | endorphins, the body's "feel good hormones"which can |
| 1. Less Fortunate | | | | calm and de-stress you and generally help to |
| Visit a hospital or chronic care home to pass out | | | | changeyour outlook on life. |
| smallinexpensive surprises to the residents. They will | | | | 9. A Movie Night |
| enjoy the careand attention from something so | | | | They say "laughter is the best medicine". Rent or go |
| unexpected. | | | | see a funnymovie, either by yourself or with a friend. |
| 2. Pamper Yourself | | | | 10. Dance up a Storm |
| Pamper yourself with a candlelit bubble bath, then | | | | Go to a line dance class, one that you don't have to |
| prepare yourfavorite gourmet meal while sipping on a | | | | pay for aseries of. You'll be amongst many happy |
| glass of bubbly whitewine in one of your special | | | | people and you'll learn afew dance moves while you're |
| crystal glasses. | | | | at it! |
| 3. Something Special for Others | | | | 11. Gym-Dandy |
| Plan some community work - help out at the local | | | | Go to the gym to work out (again, those endorphins!) |
| shelter,volunteer at your local church, work with other | | | | 12. Holly Hobby |
| volunteers tospread some caring amongst your | | | | Get out your favorite hobby and start on that project |
| community. It'll make you feelbetter about yourself and | | | | you've beenputting off - don't stress yourself about |
| happy that you've helped out othersless fortunate than | | | | finishing it all in oneday; at least start it and who |
| yourself. | | | | knows...you might get into afeverish pitch and |
| 4. All in the Family | | | | accomplish quite abit! |
| Spend some quality fun time with your niece or | | | | 13. Tee-Time |
| nephew or otherchild in your family. | | | | Do you golf? Go to a putting range and hit a few. Or |
| 5. The Gift of Time | | | | do anothersport that you enjoy; invite a friend or |
| Offer to do some work to free-up some time for your | | | | relative..or go alone;you might make a new friend. |
| spouse orparent. For example, cleaning Dad's garage | | | | 14. Thought Process |
| or a full-housevacuuming for your wife. How about for | | | | Start a journal - explain in detail why you feel "down". |
| your best friend - you canwalk her dog or baby sit one | | | | In a fewmonths, read what you wrote on this day. |
| evening. | | | | Perhaps you will seeeverything in a new light and all |
| 6. Long-Distance Caring | | | | those gloomy thoughts will havedisappeared. |
| Call your favorite aunt whom you haven't seen since | | | | |