Don't Worry, Be Happy

Expert advice to break the mid-winter funk

This time of year can come as a bit of a shock to the system. What, no more endless parties, free-for-all goodie buffets, or welcome breaks from the office? It’s like the zombie apocalypse has officially begun!
Though it helps to keep a carrot dangling at all times — for example, a little staycation or 3-day weekend vay-k — it can be hard to maintain pre-holiday happiness levels once the new year sets in.
In an effort to counteract this effect, I turned to experts in a variety of health and wellness-related fields for some simple advice on their “magic” mood-boosters that are def worth a try!
“Burn sage with the windows open to refresh the air in more ways than one; try some flower remedies (Alexis Smart Flower Remedies are my favorite) — they are as harmless as water but as powerful as drugs; add (or make) a giant piece of abstract art filled with bright fire colors to the room you spend the most time in; incorporate pure rose essential oil into your life — take a bath in 10 drops, wear it on your wrists, mix it into massage oil or into a pure moisturizer for face and body.”
— Dana Claudat, founder of The Tao of Dana
“Jump up and down a few times! Sounds goofy, and it is, but it will give you an instant jolt of energy and cheer. Also, listen to your favorite upbeat music. This is one of the easiest, quickest ways to give yourself a lift.”
— Gretchen Rubin, author of The Happiness Project
“A brief and moderate bout of exercise holds tremendous power to transform your mood and mental state. A 5-10 brisk walk will absolutely nudge you out of any funk!”
— Holly Perkins, women’s strength training expert
“Slowing down and connecting with our body and mind through a regular meditation practice is a proven mood booster. Meditation enables us to rid the stresses that affect us on a daily basis. When we relieve ourselves from past and present stresses, we open space for greater self-awareness.”
— Shel Pink, SpaRitual Founder and leader of the slow beauty movement
“Put on your favorite song and march in place, then do a 2-minute light jog; step outside, place both hands on a wall, and do eight pushups; hold a towel in both hands, lift your arms overhead, and stretch side-to-side, remembering to breathe naturally. This is your feel-good mood elevator!”
— Lauren Piskin, founder of Chaise23 Fitness Studio
“Green juice: Celebs sip it. Trendy yoginis drink it. And you can make it at home. Blend organic kale, pear, lemon and ginger; adjust proportions to taste. This makes a great liquid shot of nutrients for a fast energy boost. Too bitter? Add more fruit. Also, Coconut Hot Cocoa: Chocolate is always a pick-me-up, and this "candy bar in a cup" version of hot cocoa actually won’t act heavily on your blood sugar levels.”
— Jared Koch and Jill Silverman Hough, authors of The Clean Plates Cookbook
What are you waiting for? Whether you feel like moving or meditating, happiness is just a “magic” moment away!