Winter Blues? Sad & Mad Don't Have to Hang Around

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You may have seen "The Joy Coach" interviewed on "The Today Show," CNN,  and NPR. Doris Helge, Ph.D., author of best-selling books like "Joy on the Job" and "Transforming Pain Into Power," has helped thousands of people just like you claim more happiness and success. Some of her books have been published in many foreign languages.

Dr. Doris is a certified coach and mentor coach. She is also founder of the IAC-licensed coach training school, Confident Coach Connection. Doris previously served on faculty at three universities and directed national organizations. She has taught classes for four international coach training schools.

Doris' everlasting supply of joy springs from her own personal growth, so she's a natural at assisting her clients as they transform emotional pain into peace and personal power. They discover happiness at work and relish the rich rewarding relationships they've been craving. They learn how to use chaos, uncertainty and "mistakes" to their advantage. Doris also provides unique Mastermind Groups that empower her clients.

As Doris says, "Everyone has a very special gift to bring to the party on Earth. I never forget that it's an honor and a privilege to help people." Doris' clients call her "The Joy Coach" because she has a unique intuitive ability to perceive the core of what's been blocking your success and happiness. With Doris' help and respect for perfect timing, your joy blocks are released with gentleness and love.

Although Doris' heart and passion revolve around coaching individuals like you, she has also received excellent evaluations regarding training at companies as large as Microsoft. She has keynoted associations as large as 3,700. The material Doris presents in this ebook and as a national speaker is drawn from over a decade of research in 21 diverse organizations in a quest to discover what creates happiness at work. You can download your free ebooks about happiness at work at More Joy On The Job.

Be sure to take advantage of the special offer you've earned with your participation. Sign up for your FREE laser-coaching session valued at $100 at  Coaching With Doris. We guarantee you will smile more every day!

January 27, 2010

Winter Blues? Sad & Mad Don't Have to Hang Around
by Doris Helge, Ph.D. © 2009

Do you know anyone who fatigues more easily during the winter months? Is it ever more difficult to get motivated or reach your peak performance during the season of short daylight? Seasonal affective Disorder (SAD) is quite common, particularly in climates with frequent gray skies or short winter days. The surprise is that even people in sunny Florida are sometimes affected by the “Winter Blues” syndrome.

SAD is related to changes in environmental light, overcast days, or inadequate indoor lighting. SAD is not only related to blue moods. It can create health problems because common symptoms include daytime fatigue, sugar binges, carbohydrate craving, weight gain, lethargy, hopelessness, lack of interest in normal activities, and social withdrawal. Most SAD sufferers hate to get out of bed in the morning because they never feel rested.

None of this produces peak performance or joy on the job. The good news is that the condition can be corrected thoughtfully and fairly inexpensively.

Light therapy has long been considered the ideal treatment for SAD. Full-spectrum bulbs and bulbs with color temperatures between 3000 and 6500 degrees can blast the winter blahs. Some studies have indicated up to 86% of people affected by winter SAD completely overcame their symptoms when the light bulbs were used consistently.

Fluorescent lights have obtained a mixed review. Some people report that fluorescents assist with SAD, but ultraviolet light can damage eyes and skin. Fluorescents can also rob the body of B vitamins, which are essential to our sense of well-being.

I previously directed a national agency located in Washington State, an area with short winter days and overcast skies for months at a time. Staff who were affected by SAD talked openly about the tendency to feel lethargic and be susceptible to the winter blahs. Tardiness and absenteeism increased as winter drug on.

After installing full-spectrum bulbs, we noted a remarkable decrease in irritability and a significant increase in energy for a very minimal cost. Teamwork began to excel. People were much more enthusiastic and they arrived on time. Health care costs declined.

Although SAD is usually discussed with respect to depression, there are also SAD stories related to anger and aggression at work. How can exchanging a colored incandescent bulb for a low-watt light bulb transform a vicious temper into a state of serenity?

A pale purple incandescent bulb can create cheerfulness by mimicking daylight. Light works for and against us. When it’s direct, glaring, or ultra-bright, it can cause eyestrain and headaches.

Because SAD is related to daylight, it is also helpful to increase outdoor activity, especially on sunny days. Humans weren’t designed to spend all winter in enclosed buildings. Gaining additional natural exposure to sun can significantly elevate energy levels. For these reasons, I encouraged our employees to go outside during breaks and did the same thing myself. Eating a balanced diet can also be immensely helpful in counteracting the tendency toward SAD.

If you are a solopreneur, employee, manager or team leader, observe what happens when you address the common problem of SAD in winter, particularly in northern climates. You'll be richly rewarded with increased health, wellbeing, productivity, and teamwork.

Doris Helge, Ph.D. is a certified coach and mentor coach, author of “Joy on the Job,” “Transforming Pain Into Power,” and other books published in many foreign languages. Discover more at http://MoreJoyOnTheJob.com  and http://TransformingPainIntoPower.com , where you can download more free tips, articles and sample book chapters. You'll also hear podcasts about "Secrets of Happiness" and you can sign up for the only ezine that focuses on happiness at work, the “Joy on the Job Ezine.”

If sad and mad are hanging around you this winter, get coaching about the winter blues. Visit http://CoachingByDoris.com .

You have permission to reprint the above article as long as it remains intact and proper attribution is given. © 2009.

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