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 NEW CABINETRY SHOWROOM Me datii0t : CABINETRY an ELKAY company 1457500 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.