Winter Dream

I love Mackinac Island, Michigan. I have loved it since my parents first took me there as a little girl. Of course I have only ever been in the warmer months. I would love to spend a year on the island to experience all the seasons – someday is what I tell myself.

For years I thought the islanders were basically stuck on the island through the winter but a few years ago I learned when it gets cold enough the straits freeze and an ice bridge is formed, allowing people to get to back and forth to the mainland. Cool! I heard that it is already frozen over this year. Plus I found out there are regular flights to the island also.

Someday I will make over there to see the island in winter. I have heard that cross country skiing is great on the island and I would love to try it. I must get in shape first.

That is my winter dream, a new goal to achieve … well to add to the list: Get in shape and go skiing on Mackinac Island.

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Published in: on January 24, 2011 at 10:47 pm  Leave a Comment  

Most depressing day of the year?

According to one equation devised by Dr. Cliff Arnall, a British researcher from Cardiff University, Jan. 24 is 2011’s most depressing day, termed ‘Blue Monday’

MSN Health

Most Depressing Day Article

So today was being billed as the most depressing day of the year. It wasn’t such a bad day for me. Aside for the urge to stay at home in bed, snuggled under the covers while the wind whistled outside my window, I made it through the day fine. Thankfully I am feeling a lot better than I have in a while, certainly much better than this past fall, and past winter seasons/semesters. I am hoping it lasts -scratch that – I am going to make sure it lasts =)

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I really like the video contained within the article that points out the fact that the way to beat depression is a combination of medications and talk therapy. I truly believe that meds are not effective enough without talk therapy for most people. I wish more people would seek out therapy  – there are a lot of people out there that need treatment.

There are many reasons why they don’t seek treatment – time and money 0r lack of insurance being among the top reason, but also some people still have a negative view of therapy. Sadly, there is still somewhat of a stigma attached to going to a therapist. So many issues, so many problems in this country could be helped/healed if more people were open minded, sought help for their problems and sought help for healthier ways to deal with life.

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Published in: on January 24, 2011 at 9:27 pm  Leave a Comment  

Writing Helps!

More research fodder. It is all about writing down your fears/worries before a test – those that wrote did better on the test. This reminds me of the research I read about a few years ago when I first started this blog and going back to school – that writing about school and your schoolwork ultimately helps you do better.  Cool!

I must state though, it is not the act of writing that gives the benefit but the act of processing your thoughts through writing.

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Published in: on January 24, 2011 at 9:16 am  Leave a Comment  

“Up and at ’em”

I am learning all sorts of stuff this morning…

Link between allergies and depression? I have often wondered and I just watched a short news clip that researchers seem to think there is a link. I would love to do some research on this myself. I wonder if I could get some approved, or find a psych prof at UM-Flint who would be interested in investigating this with me. I can’t forget this:

Allergies and Depression

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Published in: on January 24, 2011 at 8:55 am  Leave a Comment