Can't seem to shake the blues? Perhaps you have too little of the B vitamin folate in your body. A Tufts University study of 2948 people ages 15-39 (301 diagnosed with major depression and 121 with dysthymia or chronic low-grade sadness) found that depressed people and those recovering from depression were more likely to have lower folate levels than people who weren't depressed. Researchers have recongized the folate-depession link for some time, says study author Marth Savaria Morris, Ph.D., but "this is the first study that looked at dysthymia." One theory is that folate, which is abundant in green leafy vegetabes, is related to S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) , a naturally occurring chemical that influences mood.

 

And if that's not enough--Robert E. Thayer, PhD. , a mood scientist and professor of psychology at California State University, Long Beach, says ten minutes of brisk walking every day raises energy levels for one to two hours afterwards.

 

Music is second only to exercise in raising energy and reducing tension according to Thayer. Try a gorgeous aria, jazz riff, or even hard rock--or any music that you like.

 

Napping and/or getting adequate sleep-- sleep experts report that we are working more and sleeping less. We feel tired and try to compensate by eating more and exercising less. We now average 7 hours sleep a night and the sleep science experts recommend a minimum of 8 hours nightly.

 

When people in Thayer's study were asked what they do to raise their spirits and their energy level , women overwhelmingly said they look for social contact, calling a friend, initiating a social interaction. This can be extremely effective according to Thayer. So next time you feel your energy sagging and your mood dragging, put down the chocolate, have a salad, call a friend and go for a short brisk walk. And get a good nights sleep.

 

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