For those of you with small children....

News Report:

For the past few weeks there has been a mental health issue of epidemic proportions spreading throughout the world. Women in general have been effected by this serious issue. Mothers of small children, in particular, have been experiencing increased amounts of irritability and fatigue. Women who live in areas where the sun has been absent due to weather conditions have been experiencing the greatest range of symptoms. Below, are listed 5 remedies that could possibly help with what Doctors have labeled the Winter Blues.

Note: Recommended by 4 out 5 doctors.

#1. Increase nightly sleep. Getting 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep a night increases energy and boosts the immune system.

For those of you with sick children, try to sleep in a chair while holding the child in an upright position if the child can not sleep laying down. If you cannot sleep sitting up, you must not be tired enough. Tomorrow night you will be able to sleep sitting up.

#2. Increase Daily Exercise. An average of 30 minutes of exercise daily can increase energy, strengthen the heart and promote a healthier lifestyle.

For those of you with small children, it's okay to walk on the treadmill right after a small child vomits on it. When they say, "if it's wet not yours don't touch it," they don't really mean a mom with small children. If you still can't make it onto the treadmill because you're still holding the small child who can't lay down and sleep, chasing the healthy child up the stairs for 3 hours counts!!

#3. Laugh More. Laughing is good for an overall healthier lifestyle. Read a good book that makes you smile or watch of funny movie that is sure to brighten your day.

For those of you with small children, try to laugh at Barney, or Little Einsteins, or Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. If you find your laughter doesn't come. Try laughing at the way your little one can pull out every DVD you own, or how your other little one can dump out every toy he owns. Not having to vacuum must bring a smile to the face, because one couldn't find the carpet if one wanted to.

#4. Be Domestic. A job well done in the home brings satisfaction that if seldom felt elsewhere.

For those of you with small children, well, you can't vacuum - so try baking something. When you feel satisfied with your home-made creation, laugh at the mess that was made in the other room while you stirred, kneaded and rolled out the homemade dough you've just made. And when your done laughing, take a look at the kitchen. Somehow all the dishes you own have made their way to the kitchen floor, so while your picking those up and cleaning the mess you've made...laugh when you just realize you never did the breakfast dishes.

#5. Call a Sister. It has been said speaking with a close family member can lift and brighten the spirit quicker than anything else on earth.

For those of you with small children, finding the telephone is a feat in itself. When you need someone to talk to, lock yourself in the bathroom, don't worry about the children because how much messier can the floor get?

You: I'm having a bad day!

Her: Why?

You: I have the Winter Blues.

Her: Why?

You: The kids are sick, I've spent all day at the doctor and the kids aren't sleeping. Plus I haven't seen the sun in a week.

Her: Well, be glad that it's not more serious and you're not in the

emergency room with a really sick child that has cancer; at least they know what's wrong with them.

You: Thanks (sarcastically) I feel better. He is also going out of town again too.

Her: Really? Where?

You: Kansas.

Her: Can you go?

You: No. No money.

Her: Well at least he's not going to Iraq.

You: Thanks.

Her: OWWW! Gotta go! MR. JUST BIT ME ON THE ARM!!!!

You: Finally I feel better! Bye

#6 Pretend it's Summer. Eat Chocolate.

For those of you with small children, when all else fails, eat chocolate. Summer time is a special time for camping and sitting around the campfire eating S'mores. So for those of you with Gas Stoves, go for it. For those of you who don't, make Indoor S'mores and pretend it's summer.

Indoor S'mores

Melt: 5 T. Butter, 5 C. Mini-marshmallow 1 1/2 C. Chocolate Chips, 1/4 C. Light Corn Syrup in saucepan. Add 1 t. vanilla. Pour over 8C. Golden Graham Cereal in large bowl and toss until well coated. Add 1 additional Cup of Mini-marshmallow and stir.

Press into buttered 9x13 pan. Let stand 1 hour.

Warning: Small Parts not intended for children under 3. For external use only. Wash, rinse, repeat. If ingested contact Poison Control. In case of Emergency, Call 911. Caution: May be habit-forming. Take 2 every 6 hours. May cause constipation, heart burn, diarrhea, and in some cases death. Please keep arms and hands inside at all times. 2-5 players. Do not attempt if pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Use with Caution. May be hazardous to your health. Contact a physician is symptoms persist.

*this article in it's entirety is written by Cristy Michaelson