TresSugar

Nature Makes Us Nicer

TresSugar — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 07:00:00 -0700

If you've been snippy lately, hurry up and get outside before Winter arrives! According to researchers at the University of Rochester, spending time in nature makes us nicer. A scientist behind the study explained:

"Now we’ve found nature brings out more social feelings, more value for community and close relationships. People are more caring when they’re around nature."

Seems like they're telling us that next time we feel like telling someone to "take a hike!" we should take one ourselves.

I typically experience nature with a day in the park or a weekend trip out of the city for some hiking or camping. I've always felt that getting outside was a way to be nice to myself, since I feel calmer and more relaxed after. But apparently it makes me nicer to other people too! Do you spend time in nature? Has it made you feel like a nicer person?

Do Tell: What Do You Do to Lift Your Spirits?

TresSugar — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 09:00:00 -0700

I'm a fan of motivational tips because even though some of them may seem corny and random, they can be helpful in a pinch.

I needed a picker-upper the other day and was reminded of this list of things to do to ensure a better life. It may sound silly, but doing two things on the list - eating almonds and taking a walk while grinning like a weirdo (OK, that's not how he put it!) really did boost my mood.

I'm all about being proactive. What do you do to lift your spirits?

Study Suggests That We Think Clearer on Sunny Days

TresSugar — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 09:00:18 -0700

If you have a big decision to make, you might want to hurry up and make it before the sunny Summer's over.

New research reveals that not only are people more moody on cloudy days, but they actually have cloudier brains too! During a study on strokes, researchers coincidentally discovered a positive correlation between cognitive impairment and gloomy weather. While the study focused on people already prone to depression, experts say the findings can likely be extended to others. So you're probably better off making big decisions on days when the sky is clear and so is your mind.

Does the weather ever impact the way you think?

Source: Flickr User xlordashx

Do Tell: How Does Hormonal Birth Control Affect Your Mood?

DearSugar — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 10:00:00 -0700

Though I do think hormonal birth control options, like the pill and NuvaRing, are great methods of contraception, I’ll be the first to admit that the fluctuation in hormones can definitely cause feelings of irritability and depression. Of course much of it depends on the dosage, as well as how your body handles it. So ladies, do tell: Have you found yourself fighting with your moodiness after going on hormonal birth control? Or does it actually improve your moods?

Source

You Asked: My Boyfriend Doesn't Believe in Himself

DearSugar — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 12:00:00 -0700

Dear Sugar,

My boyfriend just graduated from college last Spring and is taking some time off. Right now he's taking community college classes and deciding what direction he wants to go with his life (grad school, career, etc). His parents are more than fine with supporting him - he's worked really hard, and deserves a break - so he can avoid jumping into something he hates. Unfortunately, he doesn't see it that way. He feels lazy and wants to get a job to occupy his time, but all of the jobs that seem interesting don't respond to him (it's a tough job market right now).

I try to tell him that he should take this time to pursue stuff he loves and that something amazing will come eventually, but there's only so much I can say without sounding like a broken record. I've also tried to help him find jobs (he does freelance website design, so I've gotten him a few clients) but once again, there's only so much that I can do. He's down a lot and I feel down when I can't cheer him up. What can I do?

- Cheering Him Up Chelsea

To see DearSugar's answer, read more.

Dear Cheering Him Up Chelsea,

The time between graduation and before you jump into the professional world is extremely confusing and scary. In school there's a very clear path to follow, but once you reach the end, the sudden lack of direction can leave a person feeling inadequate and lost. But eventually most people find their way, especially if they're capable and hardworking.

For now, it certainly sounds like you're doing everything you can to support him even though I'm sure this is hard on you too. If I were you, I'd recommend that he start applying for internships in any of the fields he might be interested in. Not only are they a great way to discover if a particular job might be for him without the commitment of an actual paying job, but they'll keep him busy and help him build a resume, which could perk up his mood quite a bit. For someone with parents willing and able to support them, internships are a great way to make the jump from student to employee.

As far as grappling with his bleak mood in the meantime, keep doing what you're doing. Though the practical stuff is important, don't be afraid to remind him of how much he matters to you as a boyfriend, career aspirations aside. With that said, a jolt of tough love never hurt anyone. Sometimes people need a reminder that things could be worse, and trust me, in his case, they certainly can. And for sanity's sake, you both need to remember this situation is only temporary. Remind yourself of that every day if you have to and help him do the same.

Source

Dear Poll: Do You Find Others’ Happiness Contagious or Grating?

DearSugar — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 16:00:00 -0700

There’s a reason why “misery loves company” seems to be such a true cliché - for some people, being around happy people when they feel sad is a lot like having someone laugh directly in their face. But learning how to derive happiness from other’s good moods is a great ability, and one I’m still working on! Do you find happiness in others contagious or just irritating?

Source

Five Things to Do When You Need a Pick-Me-Up

DearSugar — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 15:00:00 -0700

Every so often we can feel down on our luck. Maybe it's just a passing mood or maybe it's a particularly bad string of events, but sometimes in this hectic life we just need a pick-me-up. Here are some of my quick mood boosters when the going gets tough. Check them out and see if you agree!

Have a latte! The simplicity of a good espresso drink cannot be beat. Pair it with a walk outside and you have a cheap pick-me-up that's good for a dreary afternoon.
Dine on popcorn and Red Vines. I have a thing for movie-theater treats, and I always feel better after a couple hours of munching and a light-hearted movie.
Play with a puppy. I'm a sucker for pups, but most of the time I can't actually get to one when I need one. Fortunately, puppy pics or videos usually do the trick. So when I'm in a sour mood, but stuck behind my computer, I'll opt for a good 10 minutes of puppy viewing!

To see my final ideas and add your own just read more.

Enjoy a chocolate-chip cookie. What's better than the smell of homemade cookies? Eating homemade cookies, of course! I love to get my bake on when I'm gloomy. Cookies and milk do a mood good.
Get active. I'm going to be honest with you, I don't love to work out (sorry, Fit!), but I do love how I feel afterwards. If I can drag my behind out the door, I'm sure to feel better when I get back home.

I know everyone has their own way of cheering themselves up, so what's yours?

Source

My 10 Favorite Makeout Songs

DearSugar — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 15:00:00 -0700

Listening to music can be an incredibly sensual experience, so it's no wonder it pairs so well with a hot and steamy makeout session. In fact, just the experience of creating the perfect lip-smacking playlist can be a turn on in itself. So here's my own personal list of the top 10 makeout session songs!

"Crash Into Me," Dave Matthews Band
"Wicked Game," Chris Isaak
"Sexual Healing," Marvin Gaye
"Untitled" (How Does It Feel)," D'Angelo
"In Your Eyes," Peter Gabriel

To see the last five and add your own, read more.

"Your Body's Calling," R. Kelly
"Red Light Special," TLC
"Nice & Slow," Usher
"Crazy Love," Van Morrison
"That's the Way Love Goes," Janet Jackson

I know you all have your own opinions on this one, so share your favorite make out music below. And let me know if you agree with any of my picks!

Source

This or That: Angry or Depressed Drinker?

DearSugar — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 10:00:00 -0700

You haven’t seen an old friend in a few years, though you’ve kept in touch and remained pretty close. You’re absolutely thrilled when she decides to visit you for the weekend. She’s always complaining about the lack of guys in her area so you decide to show her the nightlife around your town. You take her to your favorite bar where she proceeds to get extremely drunk. In her intoxicated state, she shows you a side of herself you didn't think existed, and you end up feeling like you were babysitting a toddler, not hanging out with your old friend. Would it be worse if she . . .

This: Turns into a total angry drunk, screaming obscenities at everyone and giving you attitude all night long? You actually have to spend half the night trying to get you guys out of the fights she started.

Or . . .

That: Becomes so depressed that at one point, she’s sobbing so loudly you have to physically pull her from the bar? She couldn’t possibly be less fun, but when you try to ask her what’s wrong, she just says she’s sad.

Source

Dear Poll: Do Your Body Issues Follow You to Bed?

DearSugar — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 13:00:00 -0800

As most women know, one of the biggest inhibitors in the bedroom is the mind. It has a tendency to wander off and come up with nagging questions, like “is my stomach jiggling?” that can really turn a girl off. In fact, it can end up holding you back from a lot of pleasurable things. I know that I’ve had phases where the way I feel about my looks has had an effect on my attitude and mood when having sex but what about you? Do your body issues follow you to bed?

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