Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night…

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While CC and SA back East are on snow patrol, here in Texas we’re swinging from high fire danger to perfect 70F, and no wind days of wine and roses. Hyacinths and pansies actually – you get my meaning. But I know not to get too excited and break out my seed catalogue or “buy just one flat of flowers” at the greenhouse. Why??

I give you April 30, 2017!

Gratuitous Stella photo

Evergreen windbreak heavy with snow

I’m not falling for it again! I know I have another month of the Bi-polar vortex to contend with.

Spring Sanity!

Tip #1

GO OUTSIDE!!  Get some sunshine. Yes, I know it’s cold or hot, and snowing or raining or drought, and the winds are blowing. But we need the Vitamin D.

“A good doctor will order blood work to see if a patient is low on vitamin D before sending him off with a prescription for fluoxetine (Prozac) because so many of us are lacking adequate amounts of this critical vitamin. In fact, according to a 2009 study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, as many as three-quarters of U.S. teens and adults are deficient. Last year Canadian researchers performed a systematic review and analysis of 14 studies that revealed a close association between vitamin D levels and depression. Researchers found that low levels of vitamin D corresponded to depression and increased odds for depression.”  ~ Everyday Health Blog

Tip #2

Have a good laugh!

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Tip #3

Give and get hug!  Pet cuddles work too!

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Tip #4

I recommend this be combined with Tip #2 and #3…even Tip #1 if you are feeling adventurous.  Have a drink!**

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or

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or

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and always get enough

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Use the good glasses or mugs. Squeeze in a twist of lemon. Get the extra pump. Drive to Sonic for the “good ice.”  Break the routine, and treat yourself to something special.

Tips #5

Another combo tip – this works especially well with #4. Read a good book! (You knew that was coming.) Reading anything boosts brain function, improves memory, promotes sleep, reduces stress AND increases empathy. This is especially true for readers of romance.

It’s still a chicken-egg debate. Are romance readers more empathetic or does reading romance develop greater empathy?  It’s all good! (I want extra credit for refraining from dropping a Martha Stewart “it’s a good thing” meme here)

Bonus Tip:

Pay it forward. Tip the baristas and carhops. Invite a friend for a walk in the sun, or a cocktail and tell funny stories. Leave a book review.  Comment on goofy blog posts with your tips for surviving Spring? <<< see what I did there!

Stay warm. Stay safe. Pray for rain where it’s needed. Be thankful for every day, it’s a privilege denied to many.

 

 

 

** We do not condone or encourage alcohol consumption as a self medicating or a coping mechanism for mental health. Please enjoy responsibly.  Coffee???…..that’s another story.