The Winter Blues

If you get down when sunshine and warmth are in short supply this winter, you will not be alone.
Dawn LaFrance, assistant director of counseling and psychological services at Colgate University, offers these tips for beating the winter blues:
* Take fun seriously. Find a sport or outdoor activity that makes you look forward to cold, like hiking or cross-country skiing. Getting your heart pumping can increase your endorphins and positively affect your mood.
* See the light. Don't stay indoors when it's cold out -- bundle up and get some rays. Natural sun can do wonders for depression; so get out of the office or the house as much as possible during the daylight hours.
* Seek friendly help. Let others help you.
When you're feeling sad, call up a loved one and schedule a time to get some coffee and talk.
* Talk to a pro. The winter blues can be a symptom of a bigger problem, such as depression.