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Nine ways to beat the winter blues

Don't let the winter weather chill your spirits. Marneta Viegas, founder of Relax Kids, shares her top tips on how to keep the whole family happy and entertained

• Good mood food
  Try and cut down on sugary snacks that meddle with the blood sugar and can affect mood patterns. Bananas are a great mood enhancer and can give your child lots of mental energy. They contain serotonin, a mood lifting substance, and Dopamine, which can help maintain an emotional balance. A wholesome fresh vegetable soup, packed with vitamins and fibre, will bring winter cheer to your family table. Boost your energy with food.
• Snuggle up
  There is nothing better on a winter's day, than snuggling up and having a cuddle. Lots of hugs and cuddles will remind your child that he or she is loved. Just feeling loved and safe can improve a child's behaviour. Try some gentle massage strokes on your child's back, forehead or arms. Better still, see if they will give you a massage back!
• Water everywhere!
  It might be rainy outside, but it's important to watch your own water intake. You might remember to drink plenty of water in hot weather, but it's easily forgotten in winter. Keep a jug of water in the fridge as people prefer cool drinks. Water will help flush out toxins and helps the nervous system work better, so improving your child's mood and brain power.
• Outdoor fun
  When the weather's dull, the last thing you feel like doing is taking the children outside. But taking the kids out to have fun and exercise in the open air will boost their energy. Running and jumping in puddles will increase their heart rate and give them a 'feel great' factor!
• Lets dance
  Music is a great mood enhancer. Pop on some fun and lively music and get the family dancing in the living room. You'll feel so much better after a good dance than you would after watching television or playing computer games.

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