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  • March 25, 2009

    Beat the blues

    By Edward T. Creagan, M.D.

4 comments posted

Even in Lake Wobegon, our mythical Midwestern city, things do not always go well. For many of the inhabitants, it has been a challenging week. Families don't always get along, projects at work don't always go smoothly, and the doom and gloom of the economy is matched by the overcast skies. It may say spring on the calendar, but the sun's warmth hasn't reached us yet.

It can give even a hardy person a bad attitude. So what are some practical solutions that really do work? Let me list a few and invite our blog community to add to this list.

  • As we have touched on before, a good night's sleep provides tremendous peace and clarity in the morning. This is documented by multiple scientific studies.
  • A brisk walk for only 20 or 30 minutes lightens the soul and can provide real insight in dealing with thorny problems.
  • Staying connected is essential. We are not designed as humans to go the distance alone. The wounded calf or the isolated member of the herd becomes dinner for someone else.
  • Acknowledging that life is not always fair, and the good guys do not always win. But with perseverance, tenacity, and support of family and friends, things do get better.

Several years ago Dr. Scott Peck wrote a book called "The Road Less Traveled" that was a best seller for many years. I still remember the opening sentence of the book: "Life is not fair." Dr. Peck said that once we accept this fact we are better able to embrace the uncertainties of life and move forward as best we can.

We are resilient and we are durable, and of course, we need to take care of ourselves and each other.

What else have I left off from this list? We learn from each other.

4 comments posted

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March 25, 2009

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