Take dance lessons! Ballroom dancing, tap dancing, belly dancing-whatever you like! Dancing is a wonderful hobby because you get exercise while having fun. You can start teaching yourself with videos at home, without embarrassment of other people watching, and practice as long as you want. If you decide you like it, find a place to take lessons when you can get out again! You can make new friends and even get really involved in competitions, exhibitions, etc. Who knows, maybe you’ll love it so much you’ll become an instructor yourself! Order those videos now!

Learn a craft such as knitting, crocheting, quilting, embroidery, needlepoint, etc. Keeping your hands busy with crafts will keep you out of refrigerator.

Do you have musical talent? Learn an instrument, or get back into playing one you haven’t touched in a while. Just try not to practice to point of driving away your family!

Light some candles, put on some soft music, and sink into a nice hot bubble bath. C’mon, you know you love it! Can you even remember last time you indulged in it?

Have you ever thought about building a house? There are literally thousands of floor plans available on web. You can spend hours refining your search, looking at interesting plans and getting ideas. It might inspire you to make that dream come true!

I hope having some of these ideas in your head and getting supplies in order will help keep you occupied, keep you out of refrigerator and cupboards, lift away winter doldrums, and maybe even open some new doors for future adventures. Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow! We’ve got plenty to do inside!

Exercise! Regular physical activity has been shown to release endorphins, feel good chemicals in body. It can also help to reduce stress and build self-esteem.

Meditate! Meditation and other relaxation techniques work to calm mind and help to reduce stress, muscle tension and anxiety. It can also promote emotional health and balance.

Many forms of psychotherapy can help depressed individuals by helping them gain insight into and resolve their problems.

Avoid alcohol, sedatives and antihistamines, as well as substances that can alter ones mood such as caffeine and nicotine.

Increase consumption of fish such as salmon or mackerel. Both are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids. You can also supplement with omega 3 EPA capsules or flax seed oil.

St. John’s Wort has been used for years to treat depression or try a product such as Natures Sunshine's Chinese Mood Elevator to help restore your sagging spirit.

SAMe is an essential amino acid that helps body manufacture certain neurotransmitters, which promote feelings of well-being.

5-HTP is a precursor to seratonin. Low seratonin levels have been linked to feeling “down”.

B-vitamins help to protect against depression. It is best to take a B-complex that contains folic acid.

Essential oils, such as those found in Bergamot have also been show to help “lift spirits”.

Note: Never stop taking an antidepressant without consulting doctor for instructions on how to safely discontinue medication.