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When choosing a fresh pomegranate look for those that feel heavy for their size, which indicates they contain lots of
juice. The exterior color (can vary from yellow-pink to deep red) and a few blemishes are irrelevant. You can store pomegranates at room
temperature for a several days or in the refrigerator for up to a month.
With a little ice and soda water, the readily available juice is festive in a wine glass and a refreshing alternative
to alcohol. Try it this holiday season. Cheers!
Light up to Banish Winter Blues
In winter, everyone gets a little cabin fever now and then. But if you find yourself often anxious, depressed, lethargic,
gaining weight and losing sleep, you might be suffering from Seasonal Anxiety Disorder, commonly referred
to as SAD.
No one knows for sure what exactly causes SAD, but the amount of sunlight— or lack thereof—is a contributing factor.
That makes winter an especially difficult time for millions of people. Winter’s dwindling daylight hours
disrupt natural sleep patterns. Inadequate sleep leads to grouchiness at best. But continuous lack of sleep is a
symptom of SAD and requires attention.
Some researchers suspect that seasonally caused variants in serotonin and melatonin may also trigger SAD. Again, light
is a factor. Melatonin is produced during nighttime. Too much melatonin is linked to depression and SAD is considered a
type of depression. Conversely, too little serotonin, produced during daylight hours, can also cause seasonal depression.
Here are four ways that can help alleviate the problem:
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See the Light. Since lack of daylight is a major culprit, get a lightbox that transmits about
10,000 lux (a measurement of intensity). Be in the light for about 30 minutes a day. Likewise, use full spectrum
lightbulbs wherever you can, including in your office. Open the blinds and allow whatever sunlight there is to pour
in throughout the day.
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Exercise. Get outside whenever possible. Even if the day is a bit overcast, you’re still exposing
yourself to some light. If you can’t exercise outdoors, do it inside, at least three to four times a week. Don’t
let lack of time stop you. Research has shown that exercise bouts of 10 minutes each done two to three times per
day are as effective as 30 consecutive minutes. Just move and you’ll feel better!
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Relax. Finding ways to better manage your stress will also reduce symptoms of SAD. Meditate, listen
to relaxing music, draw a bubble bath with your favorite essential oils, read a spiritually oriented book or get a
massage. Find a massage therapist buddy and exchange weekly massages.
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Take a Trip. Of course, nothing beats the winter blahs like a trip to a sunny locale. Take a course
in a new massage modality in a warm destination, and you can write that trip off as a business expense … a great way to
get a dose of sunshine and a tax write-off, too!
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American Massage Therapy Association®
