TresSugar

5 Things to Look Forward to This January

DearSugar — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 09:00:00 -0800

I've already been bombarded by friends telling me that they're suffering from post-holiday blues, and to be honest, I'm feeling it a little too. When it's dark and cold outside it's easy to get down, but there are some really fun things we can all look forward to this January. Check out my list below and if you think I've missed something, add your thoughts in the comments section - the more things to look forward to the better!

Even if you're not a sports fan, football playoffs are a fun excuse to get out of the house and meet new people, especially if you're single!
Most of us have a long weekend to look forward to just two weeks away - Martin Luther King Day falls early this year, Jan. 19.
Weekends away during the Winter can be just as fun as any Summer vacation. Bundle up and hit the slopes (or the lodge) and enjoy the snow while you can.
Most of us know someone with a January birthday, so blow it out this year! It's easy to hermit after the holidays so don't let your friends get the short end of the stick - make it a big celebration and get back into the swing of things before you get stuck in a rut.
If you need another excuse to celebrate, plan an inauguration party and watch history being made with close friends and family.

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Dear Poll: Did You Experience Postnuptial Depression?

DearSugar — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 09:00:00 -0800

Even if you didn't turn into a Bridezilla, the letdown after your wedding day can feel overwhelmingly depressing, and the feelings around postnuptial depression are now being recognized by psychiatrists and therapists. According to a recent article on Time.com, therapists say that most people experience some sort of letdown after the big day, but five to 10 percent of newlyweds experience strong enough feelings of remorse, sadness, or frustration to seek professional help. To avoid these feelings, the article offers some advice:

After the vows, to defeat the postnuptial blues, doctors say couples should get adequate rest and exercise; communicate constantly; focus on the benefits of marriage, such as having a built-in support system; and start thinking about the future in terms of family or finance. Women especially should also stop thinking of themselves as The Bride: throw out those wedding magazines, then plan some social events for after the honeymoon, so you have other parties to look forward to.

Since post-wedding blues aren't uncommon, I'm curious to know how many of you felt down and out after your big day, so tell us . . .

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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?

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Do Tell: What's Your Uplifting Fix?

DearSugar — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 10:00:00 -0700

Sometimes when you're feeling blue - you got demoted or broke up with your boyfriend - the smallest thing can pep you up, just like that. For some it's ordering your favorite comfort food, for others it's splurging on that top you had your eye on but couldn't justify buying, and for still others, it's as simple as calling up your best friend for a good old fashioned vent session. Treating yourself always makes you feel better, and while I'm not an advocate of giving into your vices every time the going gets tough, I admit I like to do a little of all three when I've had a bad day! So what about you? Do tell, what's your instant upper when you're feeling down?

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Do Tell: What Do You Do For an Immediate Confidence Booster?

DearSugar — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 07:00:00 -0700

We all have those days when we feel a little down and out. It's totally normal to wake up on the wrong side of the bed every once in a while, but it's key not to let the blues get the best of you, although that's often easier said than done! When I need a quick fix, buying something new always turns my day around. I know it's not the most savvy method, but it works for me! Since we are all different, do tell ladies, what's your remedy when you need an instant confidence booster to lift your mood?

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The How-To Lounge: Dealing With the First Rain of the Season

DearSugar — Mon, 15 Oct 2007 10:00:00 -0700

If you haven't already experienced the first rain of the season, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but it's coming! For some tips on how to cope with a wet and dreary rainy day, click here to read more

Before you wear your nice leather shoes and handbags, make sure you weather proof and scotchguard anything that could get ruined in the rain
Buy more than one umbrella. Keep one in your car, one at your office, and one at home
Invest in a good pair of rain boots. The worst part of the rain is getting the bottom of your pants wet so tuck them into your boots
Remember to bring everything in from outside such as patio cushions, hammocks, pool toys, etc
If you have hair that doesn't mesh well with wet weather, get a good rain hat that will keep you dry and looking chic all at the same time
It's a good idea to make sure your windows are sealed properly before the heavy rain starts so you don't ruin any furniture or grow mold
Just like the Sunday night blues, it's easy to get a little down in the dumps once the weather turns. Keep your spirits up by embracing the change and try to look forward to the holidays, good movies, cozy sweaters, skiing, nice fires, and soothing soups

For those of you who are already living with the rain, please fill in any blanks below. Stay dry!

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How to Combat the Sunday Night Blues

DearSugar — Fri, 11 May 2007 10:16:41 -0700

Everyone loves the weekend! We look forward to them just as soon as they end, making plans as early as Monday in hopes of making the week fly by faster. If you're like me and have ever suffered from the Sunday night blues, here are some helpful ways to beat those feelings of depression when the weekend comes to an end.

Click here to read more

Most people get depressed when the weekend starts winding down, you're faced with the reality of having to go back to the "real word" whether it be work or school, which is not a fun realization for anyone!
While you might feel alone, the feelings of depression on Sundays, or whatever day your weekend ends on, are normal. Almost everyone feels the effects of the weekend blues from time to time so you shouldn't feel alarmed or too hard on yourself for feeling blue
Limit the time you allow yourself to feel sad. Dwelling on the inevitable will only make you feel worse
Although you are bound to be exhausted come Sunday night, do something active to stimulate your body, mind and spirit. Hit the gym, go for a walk, even window shop...anything to keep your mind off the anxiety you might be experiencing
If you are prone to Sunday night blues, make plans. Have a standing dinner date with girlfriends, or host a Sopranos party. Bring your friends together to make use of your entire weekend
Schedule phone dates with out of town friends on Sunday nights. Catch up and relive the fun parts of your weekend by swapping stories
The weekends are so great because they give you something to look forward too, so make midweek plans as well. Dinner dates, exercise classes, even seeing a movie will give you something to look forward to throughout the week
If Sundays make you feel overwhelmed about your busy work load ahead of you, get a jump start. Map out your work schedule, go through your e-mails, and get prepared for Monday morning. Writing out a to do list will help make your work load seem much more manageable
Sunday nights are a great time to do something nice for yourself. Go to the spa, get a massage, get your hair done (a lot of salons are actually open on Sundays), or get a manicure/pedicure, anything to make you feel good about yourself to put that extra pep in your step

I hope these tips are as helpful for you as they are for me. If you have any other tips you would like to share, please comment below!

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Beat Those Winter Blues

DearSugar — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 07:00:00 -0800

It's totally normal to be a little depressed in the Winter. It's gray, the sun sets before dinner, and the cold weather can make you never want to leave your house. For some people, Winter can cause a serious condition called SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder). Symptoms can include feelings of depression, hopelessness, anxiety, social withdrawal, loss of energy, appetite changes, and oversleeping. Here are some ways to help beat the winter blues:

Purchase a sun lamp. Even artificial light can boost your spirit and inspire a sunny disposition.
Open your blinds and curtains to let what little light is outside shine in.
Have a bunch of houseplants or fresh-cut flowers in your home and workspace to remind you of Summer.
Practice yoga in a heated room. It feels great to be able to wear a tank top and sweat in the middle of Winter. Plus all the stretching will increase circulation and create endorphins to enhance your mood.
Find a way to embrace Winter. There are a bunch of different activities that involve snow so see which one appeals to you. You can ice skate, snowshoe, ski, snowboard, cross country ski or go sledding. Instead of pushing away Winter, if you can find a way to enjoy it, you'll be much happier.

Want to see what else might help? Then read more

If cold weather is your mortal enemy, you can embrace Winter by staying indoors too. Find a hobby that you love, so you won't feel sad, lonely or bored if you're stuck inside. You can knit, quilt, scrapbook, play an instrument, bake, read, write, or do something else you love.
Take a vacation and go somewhere warm. It'll give you something to look forward to and a few days in the sun will make you feel happier.
See a therapist. Talking about your feelings with a professional can be beneficial. They might also recommend going to see a psychiatrist if they think medication might be necessary.

Dear's Advice: Keep in mind that there are only a few months until Spring!

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Do, Dump, or Marry? Kellan Lutz

TresSugar — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 06:00:34 -0800

Thanks to his clear blue eyes, Twilight's Kellan Lutz definitely qualifies as dreamy, and on the big screen, he's straight up vampire eye candy – in my book at least.

The 24-year-old North Dakota native might not be the biggest heartthrob to appear in New Moon, but he surely has his own set of devoted fans. And for all you dog lovers, Kellan (who is officially single) has a soft spot for canines too; he adopted his dog Kola from a local animal shelter.

Do you want Kellan to bite you?

Do Tell: How Do You Beat the Blues?

TresSugar — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 03:30:00 -0700

A brisk walk is my surefire way to beat a bad mood. The small dose of exercise, fresh air, and freedom from distraction always does the trick.

Looking for its own cure, BBC rounded up tips from mental health professionals on how to best beat the blues.

Some of my favorites include:

Garden: it forces you to focus on the task at hand.
Exercise: physical activity releases endorphins.
Cook a meal from scratch: cooking gets your mind off what's bothering you, and a tasty meal will reward you for your work.
Volunteer: finding time to do even something small for someone else will boost your spirits.

You can check out the whole list here. I'm curious: what do you do to beat the blues?

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