can you relate?
Outsmarting
The Winter Blues
The prospect of frigid temperatures, cold winds, snow-
storms and gray days can contribute to feelings of
depression and restlessness. But with a little effort, we
can learn to embrace winter. Here are some ideas for
beating the winter blues.
Gitileman Has The Perfect
Addition For Your New Addition
1. Get movin'. Exercise raises our endorphins and helps
us cope better. Bring out your inner child with winter
sports like ice skating, skiing and sledding. If outdoors
isn't for you, join the indoor mall walkers.
When your family expands, your home grows, too — Gittleman
delivers a simple, affordable, eortless project from start to finish.
For a complimentary in-home consultation, call (248) 538-5400.
BRENDA STRAUSZ
2. Stay connected. Make plans with friends. How about
a game night? Other fun evenings — a craft night, a murder mystery soiree or
a karaoke party — can help you forget the chilly weather.
GITTLE MAN
CONSTRUCTION inc
Fine Renovations & Expansions Since 1978
3. Brighten up your space. The stores are filled with gorgeous candles, sumptu-
ous toss pillows, cozy throws and wonderful table decorations. A bouquet of
fresh flowers always elevates one's mood.
28580 ORCHARD LAKE RD., SUITE 102 FARMINGTON HILLS, MI 48334
www.gittleman.net
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SHOWROOM
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4. Cook up a storm with some new recipes. The Internet and the Food
Channel abound with wonderful dishes. Invite friends over to double the fun
and share in a potluck.
5. Catch up. Now is the time to reach for that book you've been hoping to read.
Catch up on phone calls and e-mails. Are your linen closet and basement beg-
ging to be organized?
The Otginat Since 1939
HAGOPIAN
CLEANING SERVICES
Bring
Your Rugs to any of our
Rug Care Centers, and we'll clean
every other one
FREE
6. Do something different. How about an outing to the DIA, the Detroit
Science Center, Greektown, the Henry Ford museum or the Royal Oak flea
market?
7. Volunteer. Find ways you can be of service to others. Food pantries, nursing
homes and homeless shelters are always in need of help.
8. Just be. How lovely to light candles or build a roaring fire and enjoy some
special retreat time for yourself or with friends and family. You will be surprised
at how good you feel when you let go of all your "shoulds" for a day.
Pick up and delivery service also available at regular price
24 Hour Water and Fire Damage Response
In Home Cleaning
Specials*
4
2
7'
Rooms 99 99
Rooms 59 99
Sofa or
2 Chairs
5999
Expect the best...Expect the purple truck!
9. Perform random acts of kindness. There's a story about a Starbucks in
California, where the owner gave a free cup of coffee to a customer as an apol-
ogy for an error in an order. The thankful customer paid for the person next in
line and that customer did the same for the customer behind her. That initial
act of generosity affected the next nine transactions. What random kindness
can you brew up at home or in the office?
10. Have an attitude of gratitude. This is best summed up by one of my favorite
quotes by the medieval Dominican theologian Meister Eckhart: "If the only
prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, that will be enough."
*Some restrictions apply
1-800-HAGOPIAN
(424-6742)
We're Your
Leather Cleaning Specialists
Rug Care Centers
Ann Arbor 1457020
Novi
Birmingham
Oak Park
8 Mile W I Coolidge S. Old Woodward N I 14 1 /2 12 Mile & Novi Rd The Courtyard Shops
B 2 2 • JANUARY 2009 • fi\ plat111MM
Note: If you have unrelenting depression, you could be suffering from Seasonal
Affective Disorder (S.A.D.); consult a mental health practitioner. ni
Brenda Strausz is a psychotherapist, hypnotherapist and relationship coach who
practices in the Metro Detroit area. Contact her through www.BrendaStrausz.com
or at dearbrenn@aolcorn.