6 WAYS, 6 WEEKS

There are six weeks until the winter solstice or the shortest day of the year. Each day between now and then (December 17th), our days will grow shorter as the sun sets earlier and earlier.

The increase in darkness can be difficult to adjust to and can lead to depression, exhaustion, and general maladies.

Here are some ideas to beat the winter blues:

(1) Yoga



(2) Diet: watch your sugar or complex carbohydrate intake during this dormant time of the year. Crush cravings with pro biotic rich yogurts, green vegetables, and low-sugar fruits (berries). Consider substituting green tea for your coffee.



(3) Organize: Stop putting off cleaning out that closet or moving out your summer clothes. Now is the perfect time to purge your lesser worn belongings and donate them to charity. Check with your local church or civic group about getting a tax deduction for 2010 in receipt for your charitably giving.



(4) On-line shopping: Holidays are around the corner. Start making lists of things that you think you or loved ones might like this season. There are also tons of charities that are looking for toy/clothes/book donations.



(5) Reading: Check out the NYTimes best sellers. Browse Amazon.com or visit your local book store. The staff is always full of great suggestions and happy to share their well-read opinions. What's better than a good book, a cup of tea, and a blazing fire on a cold winter's day?



(6) Correspondence: When was the last time you sent a hand-written thank you note? Chances are, you owe someone a note of gratitude. Maybe order some new personalized note cards and start chipping away at your list. Does your aunt know that you received that birthday check? Now is a good time to practice your penmanship.