Josh Rutledge
From Health magazine
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.
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.
