Page 30 - Florida Sentinel 12-16-16 Online Edition

Health
HIKE YOUR MOOD WITH SUNLIGHT
It stimu- lates the pro- duction of feel-good serotonin and also helps relieve seasonal af- fective disor-
der (SAD), which impacts millions of Americans every year. Go outside and soak up some sun to drive away the bad moods.
TAKE A WHIFF OF CITRUS
Researchers studying de- pression have found that cer- tain citrus fra- grances boost feelings of well- being and alle- viate stress by upping levels of
norepinephrine, a hormone that affects mood. For an all-day pick-me-up, dab a little lemon or orange essential oil on a handker-
chief to tuck in your pocket.
HOMEMADE LEMON SPRAY
A little lemon juice added to baking soda and hot water can create
a spray which can be used to spread fresh- ness around your home. Your home will smell like a garden with this concoction.
CITRUS DEODORIZERS
If you love the smell of citrus, then this is the best smelling deodorizer.
The scent smells nice and fresh and helps clear the stale air in your room. One of the other added benefits of these deodorizing disks is the fact that they are inexpensive to make and are toxin-free. They can be stored at one corner of your room.
WALK AWAY FROM WORRIES
The rhythm and repetition of walking has a tranquilizing ef- fect on your brain, and it de- creases anxiety and improves sleep.
SQUEEZE HERE
The fleshy place between your index finger and thumb is called the hoku spot in tradi- tional Chinese medicine. Applying firm pres- sure there for just 30 seconds can reduce stress and tension in your upper body. So if you start to feel overwhelmed by the holiday chaos, give your hand a squeeze and take a deep breathe.
DO LESS, ENJOY MORE!
We go overboard to please others during the holidays: shopping, cooking, sending cards, and attending every event. Instead, take care of yourself by saying no at least once— and maybe more.
Have A Happy Stress Free Holiday!
LAVENDER AIR FRESHENER
When you add dried
lavender to baking soda
and some lavender es-
sential oil, it creates a
great smelling natural air freshener that you can place in a jar and store at strategic points in your home. It will keep your room smelling fresh all day long.
EUCALYPTUS
The eucalyptus plant
is both an aesthetic as
well as an aroma-en-
hancing plant. You can
always add a few dry figs of eucalyptus in a vase to keep your room smelling fresh and great. Also, it will make the room look pretty.
They make great gifts, too!
The shopping and crowds. The back-to-back diet-busting par- ties. The interminable chats with the in-laws. We understand how easy it is to feel not so wonderful at this most wonderful time of the year.
That's why we've rounded up these expert-endorsed ways to help you dodge the seasonal blues and stay happy, healthy, and energized.
From quick stress-survival strategies to mood-brightening foods, here's your cheat sheet to holiday cheer.
* Be realistic. ...
* Plan time for exercise. ...
* Don't skip meals. ...
* Survey party buffets before filling your plate. ...
* Eat until you are satisfied, not stuffed. ...
* Be careful with beverages. ...
* If you overeat at one meal go light on the next. ... * Take the focus off food.
PAGE 18-B FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2016