According to Mayo Clinic light therapy is a a proven treatment for Seasonal Affective Disorder.

Rocky waiting to go for a light therapy walk - Carrie ©

In my previous post, we learned how vitamin D is one effective solution to (SAD) Seasonal Affective Disorder.

Today we will look at another treatment for SAD – light therapy.

How light therapy helps.

Light therapy mimics sunlight.

Lack of  bright light for periods of time can cause an imbalance in the natural hormones,  melatonin and serotonin. Light therapy helps to bring the body back into balance.

For details on the relationship between light and hormones please read my article on Examiner.com titled,  “Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and light therapy”.

The article includes tips on how get the best results with light therapy.

disclaimer: The content on this post is meant for informational purposes only, and is not intended for use as official health consultation

Vitamin D is called the sunshine vitamin for good reason. The body needs sunshine to produce vitamin D.

Carrie ©

Adequate vitamin D is important in combating  Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD.

If you are feeling down and depressed, tired and lethargic, perhaps you are lacking in vitamin D.

For more details on how vitamin D can help SAD, read my latest article on Examiner.com – What is Seasonal Affective Disorder and can Vitamin D help?

disclaimer: The content on this post is meant for informational purposes only, and is not intended for use as official health consultation

So what is the real scoop on protein, meal replacement energy bars?

There was a time when I thought  protein bars and meal replacement energy bars were good nutrition.

On the run,  I’d just grab that meal replacement bar, and off to work I’d go. So handy, so convenient.

I bought it at the health store so it must be good for me!!!

Over the years my priorities have changed significantly.

Diet.com tells the not so sweet truth about many protein or meal replacement bars.

Most of these bars are loaded with sugar (A candy bar in disguise?) and the wrong kind of saturated fats.

So… I made my own No Guilt Energy Bars!

Click here for my

“No Guilt Energy Bars”   recipe

Carrie's "No guilt energy bars"

This Survival bar I carry in my pocket or purse.

Great for those days when

I’m out and about.

Living Food Survival Bar

http://ecommerce.hacres.com/Food_and_Beverages

With 2011 on my doorstep, I’ve been thinking a lot about what I would like to see this new year bring my way.

Then I found Robin Sharma’s list of:

“60 Tips for a Stunningly Great Life”

So simple yet profound, they are sure to encourage personal growth in every area of my life. (and yours)

Robin calls it, “crafting an exceptional life.”

1. Exercise daily.

2. Get serious about gratitude.

3. See your work as a craft.

4. Expect the best and prepare for the worst.

5. Keep a journal.

6. Read “The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin”.

7. Plan a schedule for your week.

8. Know the 5 highest priorities of your life.

9. Say no to distractions.

10. Drink a lot of water.

11. Improve your work every single day.

12. Get a mentor.

13. Hire a coach.

14. Get up at 5 am each day.

15. Eat less food.

16. Find more heroes.

17. Be a hero to someone.

18. Smile at strangers.

19. Be the most ethical person you know.

20. Don’t settle for anything less than excellence.

21. Savor life’s simplest pleasures.

22. Save 10% of your income each month.

23. Spend time at art galleries.

24. Walk in the woods.

25. Write thank you letters to those who’ve helped you.

26. Forgive those who’ve wronged you.

27. Remember that leadership is about influence and impact, not title and accolades.

28. Create unforgettable moments with those you love.

29. Have 5 great friends.

30. Become stunningly polite.

31. Unplug your TV.

32. Sell your TV.

33. Read daily.

34. Avoid the news.

35. Be content with what you have.

36. Pursue your dreams.

37. Be authentic.

38. Be passionate.

39. Say sorry when you know you should.

40. Never miss a moment to celebrate another.

41. Have a vision for your life.

42. Know your strengths.

43. Focus your mind on the good versus the lack.

44. Be patient.

45. Don’t give up.

46. Clean up your messes.

47. Use impeccable words.

48. Travel more.

49. Read “As You Think”.

50. Honor your parents.

51. Tip taxi drivers well.

52. Be a great teammate.

53. Give no energy to critics.

54. Spent time in the mountains.

55. Know your top 5 values.

56. Shift from being busy to achieving results.

57. Innovate and iterate.

58. Speak less. Listen more.

59. Be the best person you know.

60. Make your life matter.

Visit Robin Sharma and listen to his Vlog on:

How To Make This New Year Your Best Year Yet – Vlog

http://bit.ly/fLSioe

This Vlog got me excited about planning for 2011. Thanks Robin Sharma.