Claire Hopple

Some weeks are longer than others.

You knew before you even finished reading the title that you’re addicted. You’re so addicted that you’re actually proud of it, smug even. And with Today’s Deals and free shipping, who can blame you?

California tooks its post-election protests to a very intense, very new level recently.

Let’s face it, people love to throw around the word “healthy” as much as they love to sit on the couch in workout clothes.

Just don’t do it. In fact, reading this is in direct opposition to the titular admonition above.

You don’t need to be diagnosed with Seasonal Affective Disorder to experience the negative effects of the colder, darker days. Every year, it’s like we’re all shocked about just how early it can get dark, wondering where the sun went as if we’ve never gone through winter before. To ease into this time of year and not get wiped out by the crueler side of Mother Nature, here are a few tactics to try.

Sure, happiness is too abstract a concept to measure perfectly, and it’s safe to say that a serious case of the Mondays can find you no matter what poorly drawn boundaries you’ve planted yourself within. Still, an environment can make a significant impact on your overall mood.

First, if you’re bored, congratulations are in order.

Strange, that bad mood of yours won’t disintegrate with someone shaking you and shouting “Snap out of it!” That alllllways does the trick.

When the publishing industry gets it right, it needs to be celebrated, especially in a time like this.