campuses. While some of the students are back in the safe confines of their homes, others are still tucked in some metal contraptions traversing distant lands to reach their respective destinations. Many others are yet to put ink to paper and hopefully pen their destiny. There are also many more still clueless whether their examinations will finally take place. Aside, we have not yet even come to terms with the threats of terrorists on land and pirates on the high seas making a mockery of our very existence. I hear there are calls for war and a 'rogue nation' is busy showcasing its military might. How then does one contend with the unprecedented times? For those who woke up with expectations of a break, it has been a different story all together. Add to this is the winter chill with the many ills that tag along with it. The chilly mornings, the hot and humid day and the chilly evenings clouded with fog are surely having a go at us. The intermittent cold spells are not the best. You get back home and hopefully wrap yourself in bed to fight the cold weather only to find yourself sweating a few
hours later. It is as if the forces of Nature have also conspired to dampen the festive spirits. What to do, I can hear you sigh! This month, we set out to find out solutions and what we came up should hopefully lift your spirits. Read on!

Banish the Gloomy Times First of all, get yourself a big mug. Never mind whether you hate to use a mug or not, just do it. Make sure it's a colourful mug. And then get out and appreciate nature in all its hues. Every evening, make it a point to spend time in retrospection. Look into the sky and appreciate the forces of Nature. Look out for the stars. They indeed make a beautiful sight and should help you relax before you get back to your daily chores. Now back to the mug. Well, it is not for decoration. For all those times you feel low and down, brew yourself a cup of tea or coffee. After all, this is not only a preserve of the
Baristas and CCDs. Now top it up with some music. I have never been told of any better form of relaxation than this, have you?

Creativity Unleashed So you thought all those crayons, brush and paint were a preserve of
only artists? Think again. Get into serious business and pick up an old exercise book. Pack a scissor and glue in your kit and you should be off on your new venture. If an article, quote or poem tickles your senses, cut them out and paste in your scrapbook. Special birthday or New Year greeting cards could also find some space in your collection. Recall all the good things your friends have said about you and all the things that made you feel loved. Or the little compliment from dad or mum that has taken ages to arrive. What about inspiration lines and quotes. One quotation that that has always lifted me in my many ways is this simple line, “A
day without laughter is a day most wasted.” These words surely have loads of meaning. Now done with your scrapbook, keep it in a safe but visible place. This will not only come handy. You can always sit back and relish those bits and pieces or gloat over them when your friends or relatives come calling. They surely guarantee you a few hours of unbridled laughter.

Go Back In Time In case this does not work (and I am sure it may not for some) try natural remedies. There is nothing as satisfying as traditional herbs, a glass of water or fresh juices. Then follow it up with a walk in the park or a session of yoga and meditation. This is extremely important because in the present weather, we should do whatever is within our means to stay out of harms way. Incase you are dogged with persistent coughs and sneezing and always in the habit of keeping the pharmaceutical companies in business, try something different for a change. You will be surprised to discover that you may not need to pick up
those pills again

Stay at Home Make sure everyone realizes andtreasures your presence at home. Help many ills that tag along out with the chores at home.