Six point plan to bring sunshine into your life and love-making

By Manjit Ubhi on Aug 8, 08 10:38 AM

What happened to the summer?

We are creatures of nature so when the weather is dull and wet we are more likely to feel low in energy and lacking in motivation.

If you're feeling drained, jaded and disillusioned after the summer seems to have ended even before it began, then here are simple and natural tips to put the bounce and energy back into your life.

1. Laughter really is the best medicine

Laughter boosts your immune system and produces mood-enhancing chemicals in the body that can help lift depression.

Studies at a California University asked people to watch a comedy film and found they had 30 per cent less of the stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline in their blood.

Research has also found that laughter releases pain-killing endorphins that can stave off a headache better than an aspirin.

A good belly laugh will also give your stomach muscles a good work out and tone the muscles in your face and make your eyes shine.

Ditch your grumpy mates hang around with those who make you laugh, watch funny films and try not to take life too seriously.

Read on for the rest of the six-point plan!

2. Ahhh the aroma

Using essential oils might seem indulgent and 'girly' to some but their effectiveness in creating wellbeing is not only validated in ancient Eastern wisdom but is now proven by scientific research.

The sense of smell is fully developed in humans in the womb (minute-old babies have been seen to 'know' their own mothers through smell) and our unconscious awareness of pheromones is essential in the act of sexual attraction and attachment.

Asian people have a long tradition of massage in everyday life, handed down through generations as well as recorded in the ancient Ayurvedic texts.

Researchers at the University of Wolverhampton found that women who were asked to add lavender oil to their baths reported feeling more positive and relaxed than before after just 14 days.

On dull or rainy days, a few drops each of juniper, rosemary and lemongrass oils added to your bath will restore vitality and lift your mood.

Even better, why not invest in a monthly aromatherapy massage? Regular deep-pressure massage can help to lift anxiety and depression, enhance your immune system and create a sense of happiness.

The very act of being touched and soothed stimulates the nerves that help the stress hormones to drop and in turn boosts the brain's mood-regulating chemicals serotonin and dopamine.

Why not incorporate massage into your love-making routine? Research shows that sharing a massage helps to reduce your stress levels, can create deep feelings of connection and love - and alleviate bedtime headaches!

(No more excuses, ladies!)

3. Water water everywhere

Seventy per cent of the world is covered in water, and the same amount exists in your body. The body needs plenty of water to help keep it in good working order, help the elimination process, boost your energy levels and make your skin supple.

Many health experts state that dehydration can account for all sorts of health problems, ranging from constipation and migraines to dry skin and wrinkles.

Water really is the source of life. Recent studies showed that when schoolchildren were given bottles of water at their desks there was immense improvement in their concentration and behaviour.

Each day aim to drink a tumbler full of filtered tap water for every hour that you are awake.

If you drink water with your meals you dilute the digestive juices and may be compromising the digestive process - Ayurvedic practitioners advice drinking water at least 20 minutes before and after meals.

Drink a mug of hot water with the juice of half a lemon first thing in the morning to kick-start a sluggish system and get waste matter moving/

4. Walk this way

We all know that exercise is good for us, especially regular walking, so come rain or shine walk at least 30 minutes a day. Keep to a pace where you are out of breath but still able to hold a conversation.

Regular walking will stimulate the heart and circulation, regulate blood sugar levels and control cholesterol. Simply the act of walking takes the brain waves into 'alpha' which is the first level of deep relaxation.

Researchers at Duke University, in North Carolina found that people who exercised for 30 minutes three times a week overcame depression without the use of medication.

5. Have a good breakfast - every day

Nothing will set you up nicely for the day and keep your energy levels boosted than a good hearty breakfast.

No, we're not talking greasy spoon fry-ups or sugary cereals but porridge made with skimmed or soya milk, adding fresh pieces of fruit, nuts or raisins for sweetness.

Alternatively, you can have yoghurt with fresh fruits or a boiled egg on some wholemeal toast. This will help keep your blood sugar levels steady so that you don't crave sweet snacks mid-morning and will give you sustained energy so that you're raring to go all morning right up until lunchtime.

6. Connect with Nature

We are intrinsically connected to nature and it is from nature that we can achieve healing and wellbeing.

Studies have shown that hospital patients who could see trees from their windows recovered quicker from their operations.

So even if it's raining or dull outside, spend a few minutes just looking out of a window at some greenery - or bring nature into your office or home by having pictures or paintings of nature, or even a vase of fresh flowers.

It might seem as if the summer has eluded us yet again but don't despair, create a little sunshine of your own!