News You Can Use
Relax away those late-summer ‘blues’
University Relations
News Bureau (662) 325-3442
Contact: Kasia Haupt
July 30, 2004
STARKVILLE, Miss.—When the continuing stress and heat of summer combine to give you the “blahs,” there are ways to work your way back to energy and happiness.
A Mississippi State University counseling psychologist says a proper night’s sleep can lay a foundation for confidence and emotional balance. And, to boost the potential for quality sleep, Beatrice Tatem suggests ending each day with positive thoughts.
“Read something uplifting and put your worries away for the night,” she advises.
Surroundings also affect feelings and the ability to relax. To create a “positive” environment, Green suggests interior and exterior surroundings predominated by the color green, which she terms “calming and refreshing.”
Fragrances can provide an additional boost to your mood. “Fruity and citrus scents in particular are rejuvenating,” Green says.
Beyond visual and olfactory touches, providing aid to others remains one of the best ways to make one feel better. “Doing something unexpected for someone else can be as uplifting for you as for the other person,” Tatem observes.
Because social interactions can rejuvenate, don’t forget to take the time for personal visits with friends and family. She cautions, however, that “Trying to multitask by calling people while on the run will not be as fulfilling, since you can’t give them your complete attention or experience them fully.”
Other Tatem tips for those who feel themselves in a summer “rut” include:
—Clearing the mind by taking an “emotional vacation” and resolving not to think about your troubles for at least a full day;
—Do something fun for yourself that you haven’t had time for in the past; and
—Because emotional and physical factors often overlap, remember to fuel your body with light, healthy foods and regular exercise to help release those feel-good endorphins.