Darlings!

The holidays have long since passed, it’s been weeks since you’ve made your New Year’s resolutions, and now you just want it to stop snowing. Yes, it’s winter in New England. Many people get the blues this time of year, but it is the perfect time of year to refocus yourself on the goals you set for 2010 to be in your prime for when the warmer weather arrives. 

Some people like the shorter days and relax by the fire with their favorite book at night using their lap dog as an added blanket. But, if you find yourself craving it to be lighter later, all your firewood is wet, you don’t have a pet and you just hate those people anyway, you just may be experiencing a case of the winter blues. 

The medical community has officially classified more severe cases of winter blues as Seasonal Affective Disorder, also called SAD. Reduced sunlight can affect your circadian rhythm, melatonin levels and serotonin levels which can all lead to depression. Naturally if you think your situation is more serious, be sure to seek medical attention. If not, it’s time to get back on top of your game.

Start by getting off the couch and clean your home. It can be very satisfying to put some elbow grease into polishing your floors. Head to your bathroom, get right down there on your hands and knees and scrub! It will get the blood pumping and you will feel quite proud of the shine. Don’t stop there. Move onto all of the rooms in your house and look for areas that need attention. Move that tree and check for dirt on the floor underneath. Put on a white glove and test for accumulating dust. Get the whole family involved and put them to work. It will keep them just as happy as you and free from feeling blue.

Try redecorating a room - perhaps a fresh coat of paint or new curtains. You don’t need to hire a decorator or spend any money at all for that matter. Try rearranging the furniture and positioning accessories in new places.   Have your children carefully pickup your sofa and move it around the room until you find a place that pleases you. Take all the time you need to find the right spot. Keeping them involved will help them burn energy too. They will sleep so soundly you may not even have to strap them in. The end result will give you fresh new surroundings to enjoy and perhaps a new perspective on life too.  

Once you are feeling a bit more invigorated, it’s time to start exercising for real. You know it was one of your resolutions, so get to it. If you have a gym membership that you have been paying for and not using, get in the car and go for a workout. Once you break the ice it will become a welcomed part of your winter routine. If you don’t have a membership, and you have no exercise equipment at home, you still have options. Bundle yourself up in layers and get out there for a jog. You jump into cold water to swim in the summer and quickly warm up and the cold air in winter is no different once you get moving. If you haven’t gone for a run in a long time and you are questioning your stamina, just have your housekeeper follow you in the car. You can easily hop in and have her drive you home if you overestimate your route.

You will quickly notice that just by moving more you will start feeling better and your body will become more toned. Let’s face it: bikini season always arrives sooner than you think and you will want to look your best for fans asking for autographs on the beach, for your partner, or at least for your handsome pool boy.

Now pull out that list of resolutions you wanted for yourself, read through all of them and come up with a plan to make them a reality. Perhaps it was a career change – then update your resume. Perhaps it was a new romance – then put some thought into ways you might meet new people. Perhaps it was a lead in a feature film – then start sleeping with directors. Turn your thoughts into actions and reach for the stars! You might even become one… 

I love all of you! 

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Joan Crawford hosts the CGMC’s monthly Bingomania in New Haven. For more details about Redneck Bingomania on 3/6/10, or for future dates, visit www.ctgmc.org   Follow all of Joan’s antics, photos and videos on Facebook by doing a search for Joan Crawford and send her a friend request.

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