Q & A – SEASONAL MOOD & MEDITATION

Answers by: Dr. Fine

 

Question:

Dr. Fine why do I always feel better in the summer and how can I feel this good all year?

 

Answer:

Beginning in our youth, we learn that summertime is traditionally associated with a more casual lifestyle or  “downtime” from out fast paced lifestyle. Whether it’s the end of a school year, a summer vacation or a visit from friends and family, summer can inspire us and give us perspective.

 

Nature awakens and stimulates our senses. Feeling the wind on our face, the sun on our skin, and the smell of the flowers all give us of a sense of serene harmony and balance. The benefits of being in natural settings have long been verified by psychological studies. Summer is a good time to forge and renew friendships, travel, and to learn new skills thus creating new opportunities and life experiences.

 

Living in Florida allows you to experience summer all year long. I recommend that you recognize the parts of summer that you connect with and incorporate them throughout the year.

 

Question:

Dr. Fine I have read that meditation is helpful in relieving stress, what do you think?

 

Answer:

Meditation is very helpful in transforming stress and helping one to relax. It provides one the opportunity to observe thoughts and feelings thereby assisting one to an inner alignment. Meditation allows us to take a step back from our lives, removing stressful distractions, and allowing us to learn about ourselves.

 

Question:

Dr. Fine, the usual techniques for stress management such as meditation, yoga or journaling do not seem to help me, is there anything else you can recommend?

 

Answer:

I do recommend all the techniques you mentioned. However it is important that along with meditation, yoga and journaling that you eat right and get at least 8 hours of sleep. Other techniques I recommend are exercise, spending quality time with friends and family and perhaps adding a pet to your family. Nevertheless, gradually incorporating meditation, yoga, and/or journaling into your life will enable you to feel their therapeutic affects over time.