JUNE 6, 2011 FEELING A BIT BLUE

"THE BEST ANTIDOTE TO MELANCHOLY IS UNSELFISH DEVOTION TO OTHERS."

- Sir William Osler

Many have read, heard and repeated this noble physician's words. "Let us bury the worries of yesterday in the work of to-day. Sorrow and sadness must come to each one-it is our lot; We can best oppose the tendency to melancholy by an active life of unselfish devotion to others." Robert Burton wrote these words when discussing Osler in The Man, His Books and His Library.

I have not yet met an individual who has not come upon some sorrow and sadness. Whether it is the loss of a child, a partner, a parent, a pet, a decision et al, we all have had some loss in our lives. I have even unfortunately witnessed the stress and worries of business, misguided or misprized love, and the anguish of religious despair drive an individual to choose suicide over life. It is natural that sorrow and grief sooner or later come into our lives.

I am sensitive to death even if I do not outwardly show emotion. I used to take this sorrow within. Today I actively seek to help others unselfishly, outside my chosen profession. I have found it to be a meaningful way to ward off melancholy. It could be starting a knitting club, volunteering in a nursing home, or even helping the elderly cross the street. When was the last time you helped someone cross the street? Do something unselfish today!

IT IS NO COINCIDENCE THAT WE CRAVE SWEETS WHEN WE ARE DOWN.

There are some studies to suggest that sweet foods like carbohydrates help the production of serotonin which is said to lift the spirits. We know that binging on carbohydrates might give you the high which is followed by a deep low.

I have a recipe if feeling a bit blue. One involves eating and the other involves an herbal compress. The amino acid tryptophan converts to serotonin. It is found in soy beans, eggs, legumes, broccoli, bananas and even watercress.

So if you are feeling a bit blue, chop up a banana and Brazil nuts and mix in sheep or goat yogurt. The brazil nuts give you extra selenium. Selenium is a great mood enhancer.

Personally I would rather use an herbal compress of chamomile. A compress is a length of fabric that is applied to the skin. First place fresh or dried chamomile into a clean bowl. Pour over boiling water. Let stand for one hour. Strain the liquid and allow to cool. You might add one or two drops of an essential oil. Soak the fabric in this mixture. Wring out lightly.

Lay down on the couch or bed. Put on some soft music or sounds. Place compress on your head and you will relax.

Until tomorrow...