7 Everyday Therapies for Cabin Fever Combat cabin fever with these fun, meditative activities.

Feeling a little blue? Getting out of a winter-induced funk can be a challenge, which is why we put together this list of unusual "therapies" to rejuvenate your spirit and soul.

PART ONE OF TWO

1. Tap into your creativity.

Creative arts therapies, like painting and drawing, have been shown to boost immunity in HIV/AIDS patients, and they've proven a positive outlet for patients in psychiatric rehab and adults dealing with bereavement. If it's good enough for professional therapy, it might just help you too. "A new hobby gives you something you can focus your energy on," says Raymond Crowel, PsyD, vice president of the National Mental Health Association. "It can also help inspire you and lift your sadness," he says. So, you're thinking, you're no Picasso. No problem! Put paintbrush to canvas and just go for it. No one has to see your handiwork; it's just for you, babe.

2. Embrace your green thumb.

Gardening is a great way to combine a sense of control and calm. It takes your mind off of your woes and directs it toward something productive and beautiful. You don't have to have a huge plot of land, either; even the narrow strip of dirt bordering your apartment building will do. Or try container gardening -- just repotting your existing plants can bring out your nurturing instincts and give you a sense of accomplishment. If you're planting flowers, choose colors to create the right mood -- soothing pastels or celebratory reds and oranges. If you're partial to greenery, choose plants that have tranquil textures like ferns. You might even find that the regular task of watering can be a meditative act. Then, just sit back and watch your garden grow!

3. Foster or adopt a pet.

"A lot of people recommend pets to help with depression," Dr. Crowel says. "It gives you something to focus your emotions on in a positive way," he says. Pets literally bring more life into your life and increase your energy. After all, who can be down about a few lousy pounds or a missed workout when you've got a happy-all-the-time fluffy creature anxiously awaiting you when you come home at night? Of course, getting a pet is a serious commitment, especially a dog or cat. Starting a fish aquarium is a lower-maintenance alternative, and studies have shown that the simple act of watching the fish swim around can have relaxing effects. If you're not sure about getting a pet full-time, volunteer with an animal shelter to foster a dog or cat that needs nurturing before it's ready for adoption.

4. Have more sex.

7 Everyday Therapies for Cabin Fever

PART TWO

5. Exercise.

Traditional exercise increases endorphins and energy levels too. What kind of exercise? It could be anything that gets you moving. "People don't have to think about changing their lives," Dr. Crowel says. Try a different sport like snowshoeing, which burns a surprising number of calories and adds the element of a new challenge. Try a long walk, a challenging yoga class, or just get back on that treadmill. "Start with small goals," Dr. Crowel suggests. Otherwise, you might feel like you've failed before you begin.

6. Sample new music.

Do you feel like dancing when Madonna comes on? Do you get into your happy place when Bob Marley sings of love and peace? Excellent. Get yourself to the music store or get online and browse for music with similar upbeat rhythms. Try out a new artist or a new CD from an artist that makes you smile. "Playing music you like can be rewarding and can energize people," Dr. Crowel says. Just avoid anything too mellow or melancholy. We don't want any wallowing.

7. Take some quiet time for you.

peaceandguitars

All kidding aside - you having a bad day or something?

Hrh Fish

I have heard of similar stories (calling police about late food) from over here too.

cheese101 & Keniko

keniko

Going to the House of Blues for the concert?

cuthbert1776

Ahh - come on - you can make Chicago on a Wednesday night.

cuthbert1776

There is a time change to take into account.

The show starts at 6:30 - maybe 3-5 hour concert (including breaks in sets).

That is 9:30 to 11:30 pm - then a 3 hour drive back. You be home some just after midnight.

Keniko

I am definately going - trying to get a few more people to go with me too.

I plan on eating before hand as well - get in sooner.

Keniko

Idea of the Day

Jury Determines Flying Shrimp Not the Cause of Death

Do The Stu

re: all caps

What's green, fuzzy, has 4 legs, and, if it falls out of a tree, can kill you?

Google will now send text messages to cell phones.

On its site, you simply enter a phone number and select the service provider. Then you can enter your message and click send.

This is a great way to save on text messages if you don't have an unlimited plan. Or, you can use it to send yourself a little reminder. It's a handy little tool!

I always wanted to be a rock star.

Hrh Fish

ha ha

Master Yoda

KISS News

Kiss have partnered with Gemini Cosmetics to launch their own line of fragrances. "We thought about doing makeup," jokes singer-guitarist Paul Stanley, "but we weren't sure how many women would want to walk around with white-painted faces."

The signature men's and women's scents will debut in September. Stanley adds that a line of Kiss-branded clothing also is in the works.

What did Dick Cheney learn from shooting a Texas lawyer in the face while hunting?

D - Old men with heart problems shouldn't go hunting

13 Reasons to Smile (worth a few minutes of your time)

Now that food has replaced sex in my life, I can't even get into my own pants.

Marriage changes passion. Suddenly you're in bed with a relative.

I saw a woman wearing a sweat shirt with "Guess" on it So I said "Implants?" She hit me.

How come we choose from just two people to run for president and 50 for Miss America?

A good friend will come and bail you out of jail...but, a true friend will be sitting next to you saying, "Darn...that was fun!"

I signed up for an exercise class and was told to wear loose-fitting clothing. If I HAD any loose-fitting clothing, I wouldn't have signed up in the first place!

When I was young we used to go "skinny dipping," now I just "chunky dunk."

Don't argue with an idiot; people watching may not be able to tell the difference.

Wouldn't it be nice if whenever we messed up our life we could simply press 'Ctrl Alt Delete' and start all over? AMEN, AMEN !!

Why is it that our children can't read a Bible in school, but they can in prison?

Wouldn't you know it... Brain cells come and brain cells go, but FATcells live forever.

Why do I have to swear on the Bible in court when the Ten Commandments cannot be displayed in a federal building?

Bumper sticker of the year: "If you can read this, thank a teacher -and, since it's in English, thank a soldier !!"

I don't know about you, but I sure got a chuckle out of these, and I'll bet your friends will too!!

AND I've learned.... That life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes.

Satriella

Hrh Fish

From Sony !!

A Catholic man is struck by a bus on a busy street. He is lying near death on the sidewalk as a crowd gathers. "A priest. Somebody get me a priest!" the man gasps. Minutes drag on and no one steps out of the crowd.

A policeman checks the crowd and finally yells, "A PRIEST,PLEASE! Isn't there a priest in this crowd to give this man his last rites?"

Finally, out of the crowd steps a little old Jewish man of at least 80 years of age."Mr. Policeman," says the man, "I'm not a priest. I'm not even a Christian. But for 50 years now I' m living behind the Catholic Church on First Avenue, and every night I'm overhearing their services. I can recall a lot of it, and maybe I can be of some comfort to this poor man."

The policeman agrees, and clears the crowd so the man can get through to where the injured man lay.

The old Jewish man kneels down, leans over the man and says in a solemn voice: