Suffering with SAD?

I’m as tired of winter as the next gal, and I’m starting to feel like there will be piles of snow on the ground forever. But earlier this week, as I drove to work, I was able to appreciate the beauty of winter.
 
It was foggy when I started out, and as the mist lifted and the sun started shining, I was struck by how beautiful the morning was. The low-lying clouds had left a heavy frost on tree branches and dried grasses along the side of the road and I only wished I had my camera with me so I could remember this stunning example of Mother Nature’s glory.

But I know there are plenty of people out there who are having difficulty appreciating anything at this point in the winter. No one is quite sure why some folks are troubled by seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and others aren’t, but we do know what triggers it: The lack of light during winter’s gray days and long nights causes the pineal gland to turn the hormone serotonin into melatonin. The absence of serotonin disrupts normal sleep patterns and causes depression and a craving for sweets and starches. One of the best ways to alleviate those debilitating symptoms is to eat plenty of apricots, pears, plums, and apples. All of these tree fruits gradually raise serotonin levels and help keep them there—so you’ll lose your desire to crawl into bed and hibernate.

Whip up this Amazing Apricot Pick-Me-Up for a terrific rejuvenating treat:

Ingredients:

4 pitted, dried apricots

2 fresh apricots, halved and pitted

¾ cup apricot nectar

2 ice cubes

Immerse the dried apricots in hot water for 15 minutes or until plump. Drain, and combine the apricots with the rest of the ingredients in a blender, and whip until smooth. (Yield: 1 serving.)

And this good news might help you stay on the sunny side of life too: the official start of spring is only a month away!