If your mood declines along with hours of sunlight, you're not alone. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) seriously affects up to four per cent of Canadians, while many more develop the milder "winter blues." "We are light-needing creatures," explains Swetlikoff.
Ease the blues with a SAD light box or full spectrum bulbs, available at some hardware stores and through www.lighttherapycanada.biz, that you can install where you spend most of the day. "If you combine light therapy with exercise," says Swetlikoff, "you produce more dopamine and serotonin (two brain chemicals associated with mood) and you will feel better."
10.Chew on licorice
Long revered by Chinese and Western herbalists for its ability to treat flu, colds and infections, licorice root is now being studied as a treatment for stomach ulcers, stress and high blood pressure. "It also has very good antibacterial properties," says Swetlikoff. "It's a hugely important herb."
To ease a flu or cold, brew a cup of sweet-tasting licorice root tea or take it as capsules or tincture, both available in health food stores. But first ask your doctor – it may affect the performance of insulin, certain heart medications and oral contraceptives.
11. Try passionflower tincture
Sneak away from the stressful circus of visiting relatives to sip a calming cup of passionflower tea. Naturopaths and herbalists use passionflower – a purple, star-shaped plant native to South America – as a nonaddictive relaxant, nerve tonic and sleep aid, says Swetlikoff. If you can't take it – and you shouldn't if you use other sleep aids – try a calcium-magnesium supplement before bed. "They're very calming to the central nervous system," he says. Passionflower tincture or tea is widely available in health food stores.
12. Make your home a spa
Can't afford the time or money for a stress-relieving spa getaway? Turn your bedroom into the kind of place you'd love to visit, says psychologist Tim Lowenstein, head of the Oregon-based Conscious Living Foundation. "Our family does this regularly at home," he says. "First, we lock the door and we don't answer the phone. We put on classical music and massage each other. We exfoliate our feet and hands. We take long, relaxing baths and watch a movie while sipping on Champagne. We meditate and pamper ourselves. There are no arguments, no pressure and, best of all, no schedule!"
Worried about falling off of your exercise schedule over the holidays? Read about how to stay active this holiday season.
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