Health: Beating The Winter Blues
By Stephanie Stahl
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- With our continuing bitter blast, stress is mounting. People are aggravated and edgy. 3 On Your Side Health Reporter Stephanie Stahl has some help to beat the winter blues.
It's bone chilling cold, and there's nasty, slippery snow and slush everywhere.
"It seems like we're not getting a break. I'm sick of it, ready to be on a beach," said Jeff Founds, in Philadelphia.
It's not just the misery of being uncomfortable outside.
Everything is a mess, cars and floors. And all the stuff, coats, scarves, gloves, and boots, on and off, off and on.
"I'm not liking it at all. Trying to get around with the baby, bundling him up and get him outside. It's really tough," said Lisa Bayruns, in Philadelphia.
Mom might be stressed, but baby Collin is chilling.
And for little Mackenzie, it's never too cold for some ice cream.
"I'm like everyone else. I'm frustrated and aggravated as well," said Kevana Nixon, a Psychotherapist with Council For Relationships. She says stress from the winter blues is mounting. People can get irritable and bicker, with too much togetherness.
Many turn to bad behaviors, too much snacking or drinking. It's time to refocus. Do something positive. Exercise it probably one of the best ways to help yourself feel better
"Anything, just something you enjoy that you really haven't had time to do," said Nixon.
One way to beat the winter blues, tea. Research has shown four cups a day can dramatically reduce stress hormones.
And oatmeal, some say that can release serotonin, the feel good hormone. Also vitamin D has been shown to improve mood.
Oh and don't forget the hot chocolate. Angela Benson has been drinking quite a bit.
And remember, it might feel like it, but this winter won't last forever. Spring starts in less than 2 months on March 20th. That's 55 days.
