Lower temperatures and stressful holidays can present a host of challenges to your health. Read on to learn how to handle everything from travel aches to cold-weather blues.
Dance away the blues
Short days and frigid temps turn you crabby. But a good workout (and that includes boogying to your favorite tunes) can hike feel-good endorphins. In fact, studies show that music activates parts of the brain linked to happiness. Here, more ways to cheer up (without going outside):
- Phone a friend. Feeling that strong emotional bond may raise your levels of progesterone, a mood-boosting, stress-reducing hormone.
- Have sex. Estrogen and prostaglandins in semen may ease feelings of depression, a State University of New York study says.
- Cue a comedy. Just anticipating how much you’ll laugh while watching a funny movie is enough to boost endorphins.
Eat this, tame PMS
When PMS strikes, satisfy your sweet and salty cravings with this healthy Happy Trails Mix from Health nutrition guru Frances Largeman-Roth, RD. One 250-calorie serving is big on appetite-busting fiber and protein, as well as calcium, magnesium, and vitamin B6—all thought to ease symptoms like bloating, breast pain, and mood swings.
Happy Trails Mix
Makes: 4 servings
3/4 cups almonds
1 1/2 cups fortified whole-grain cereal (such as Total)
3/4 cups freeze-dried banana slices
4 teaspoons dark chocolate chips
Combine all ingredients in a medium-size bowl. Divide into 4 portions and package into 4 small zip-top bags or airtight containers. Can be stored for up to 2 weeks.
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