By Sunny Simon
It is a fact that weather affects our moods. Individuals living in harsh climates may suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder during the winter months. Due to our abundance of sunshine, desert dwellers are exempt from SAD, however, as we move into August the waves of humidity may take a toll on our sunny dispositions. Scientific studies reveal that high humidity can result in decreased concentration and sleepiness leaving us feeling out of sorts.
If the subtropical moisture being pumped into the Coachella Valley is messing with your happiness barometer, here are seven ways to get back in the groove:
1) Focus on your diet. You can benefit from a boost in tryptophan which produces serotonin, the happiness chemical. Incorporate milk, nuts and chicken into your menus. Eat fava beans. These legumes have a significant degree of the amino acid L-dopa (dopamine) which is a mood booster.
2) Get more shut-eye. According to Web MD, besides making you a grumpy Gus, sleep deprivation impairs alertness, reasoning, problem solving and may even prevent you from losing weight.
3) Unlock your pent-up happiness and experience a “helper’s high” by performing a good deed. Crank up the air, blast your favorite upbeat playlist and clean out your closet. When the task is completed, drop your gently used items at one of the many donation bins scattered around town.
4) Bathe in Epson salts. This age-old remedy will replenish the magnesium that stress drains from your body. Magnesium helps to produce serotonin that wonderful feel good chemical mentioned earlier.
5) How about a little music therapy? Can anyone resist singing and dancing along to Pharrell Williams’ “Happy” song? Watch the official music video on YouTube for guaranteed euphoria.
6) Humidity responsible for your third bad hair day in a row? Round up the gang and go hat shopping. Enlist their help in finding the best looking bonnet in the city. Then head to your favorite haunt for an adult beverage or other feel good drink. Toast your friends wearing your new chapeau.
7) Lose yourself in a good book. If you need help in general about leading a happier life my go-to book is The Happiness Project,” by Gretchen Rubin. Visit her website for “Tips and Quizzes.”
One last thought. Don’t let the climbing dew point depress you. Embrace the fact that humidity is your skin’s best friend. Humid air is not only easier on your sinuses; it can transform your dry flakey skin into a glowing sheen.
Sunny Simon is the owner of Raise the Bar High Life and Career Coaching. More about Sunny at www.raisethebarhigh.com
