Today we reflect on the life of Martin Luther King Jr. and the impact he had on our great nation. It’s also a mental health day at this Haus. We got even more snow last night making the roads even messier. I couldn’t go anywhere even if I wanted to. Although, as I was shoveling the driveway for the second day in a row, a guy went by on the icy, snow packed street riding a…wait for it…road bike. That dude was craa-a-a-a-zay.
My day started none too early. I rolled out of bed around 8, which is late for me, normally I’m up and at ’em by 7 at the latest.
Well, I was up at 7. The first thing I did was toss a load of laundry in the machine and then went back to bed knowing that I had already accomplished one thing on my to-do list. I laid in bed a while longer soothed by the fact that I was already having a productive day. I listened to Norah Jones, thanked God for my cozy bed, decided that this week I am going to change my hairstyle (!!!), and thought about everything in the world that makes me happy.
Eventually hunger struck and I went downstairs for some coffee and cereal. After shoveling the sidewalks and driveway, I curled up with my favorite blanket on the couch to read my favorite magazine, Real Simple.
One article really struck a chord. “Life lessons: strategies on how to supercharge your productivity.” I found it quite appropriate considering the day I was having so far and I was inspired to share some thoughts with you on how to have a better mental health day.
How true is this?? Fact: we don’t get much sunlight in Germany. I used to carry my sunglasses around 24/7 in my purse, but since they are a little bulky, I just leave them home now. I never need them. And in the winter, our days are really short – we go to work in the dark and come home in the dark. It can be a little depressing if you let it get to you. I take “happy pills” (vitamin D supplements) and try to eat foods high in the essential vitamin (fish, fortified cereals and dairy products, and eggs) but there is something to be said for a good dose of the sunshine vitamin. Humans make 90 perfect of our vitamin D naturally from sunlight exposure to our skin. Did you know that when you get your ‘D’ from sunshine, your body takes what it needs, and de-metabolizes any extra? How cool are our bodies?!
Even though the sun doesn’t shine, I try to take some time to stand by a window and look outside when I’m at work. When I’m home, Elmer and I go outside to play in the snow. 🙂 She loves snow.
A lot of people don’t think they have time to fit exercise into their busy schedules.
Work(ing) in small increments.
david_b says
Love your site, I check in every so often for updates. Blessings..!!
David Bolter
COL, USAR