We are nearing the gloomiest time of the year. For a few weeks, the sunset will hover right around 4:18pm in the afternoon. This is early. Not as early as some places (Bellingham), but still pretty early. To combat the gloom, I have provided a least of guaranteed pick-me-ups that can be utilized as needed:
1) John Williams, Theme from “Last of the Mohicans”
I mentioned this one yesterday, but I will mention it again today. If you’re feeling down, or un-motivated, and you WANT to feel like you could wrestle a saber-toothed tiger, listen to this song. It doesn’t get old.
2) Odwalla, C Monster or B Monster
C Monster if you’re feeling sick or like you might be getting sick. B Monster if you want large amounts of vitamin B and therefore large amounts of energy.
3) Exercise
Yesterday I was sitting in my apartment, wondering what it might be like to jump off the balcony, when my friend Ryan called me to go skateboarding. After skateboarding I felt like a million dollars (Canadian dollars). You need exercise because you need to get your metabolism going and because your lungs were meant to pump oxygen — not stale, indoor apartment air. You also need exercise because you’re fat.
4) A nice, sober chat with an animated friend
If you don’t have energy, steal it from someone else. A little social contact with a friend more animated than yourself will do the trick. Find a cozy coffee shop or a low-key eatery and talk at length about one to two topics you’re both passionate about. If you can’t find something you’re both passionate about, talk about something your friend is passionate about (he/she will be more animated). Suggestions: Is Paris Hilton sexually attractive?, Is it cool to “hate” Starbucks?, What would Bill Gates look like naked?
5) Stretching
See: exercise.
6) Retail Therapy
Sometimes it really, really works. Just make sure you buy something you like. If you buy something you don’t like, you will feel even gloomier than before. And there’s nothing worse than retail depression.
Today, the only one of these I’ve applied so far is number one (I’ve listened to “Last of the Mohicans” seven times). However, I hope to apply all six, or at least all six excluding “Retail Therapy,” due to the fact that I hate shopping.
…And when all else fails, drink a beer!