No matter what you're dealing with in your life, my new book SANITY SAVERS: Tips for Women to Live A Balanced Life is filled with suggestions to save your sanity every day of the week.

A must for any woman seeking to find her balance!

Think of how much more interesting your life will be if you make daily decisions to live it fully.

Whether married or single, it is better to depend on yourself to do what interests you rather than wait for others to invite you to participate in something that may or may not suit you. Sometimes single women feel as if they are 3rd wheels and are uncomfortable being with married friends. And some of their married friends don’t ask them to join them for events that are family oriented but fun for all. And let’s not even talk about those dinner parties where if you don’t have a partner you are excluded completely.

Stop waiting for the phone to ring for the next date, delay plans to buy your own place or look to others to fill up your social calendar. It’s your life to live, so enjoy the independence that many would be envious to have.

1. Don’t Wait for “Him” or Anyone Else - If you would like to meet someone, do not put your life on hold while waiting for “a partner” to show up. Become involved in living your life. Plan a fun vacation to an exotic and interesting place. Spend at least part of a holiday with people you enjoy and who value you in their lives.
2. Create Community - Become involved in an organization that you believe in and connect with a network of other people who are dedicated to its mission. Become immersed in doing what you like. Volunteer.
3. Buy Yourself Gifts – If you see a nice necklace, art, something special, and you can afford it, buy it. You deserve it.

It’s up to you to fill your life up so it’s a fulfilling life to have.

TODAY Show (NBC)
February 22, 2007
Dr. Dale's New Sanity Savers Book

In honor of Valentine's Day, tell someone you love them ... or you are grateful for their presence in your life.

Don't regret tomorrow what you can say today.

It's nice to let people in your life know you are thinking of them and that you care.

If you feel a little gloomy this time of year, you’re not alone.

The “winter blues” affect many of us when it’s cold, wet and dark outside. If you feel you are particularly low during the winter months -- dealing with a bit of depression, sleeping more than usual, experiencing decreased energy, difficulty when concentrating, avoiding social situations, impatience, desire to eat sweet foods and gaining more weight than normal -- you may have a case of the winter blues.

SAD or Seasonal Affective Disorder is getting a lot of press lately as more and more people claim to suffer emotionally during the fall and winter. People who have S A D usually begin feeling these symptoms in the mid to late fall, through the winter and well into the beginning of spring. It is worse if you work in a place without access to sunlight (cubicles without windows, basement offices etc.).

More women than men have S A D and often they begin to have the symptoms after they are in their 30s. Light therapy may help people who suffer from this disorder and they should be assessed to see whether they, indeed, have it and also if light boxes will help.

• Get Outside as Much as Possible - Even if it means bundling up and taking a walk at lunchtime just so you get some exposure to fresh air and natural sunlight.
• Let There Be Light - When indoors, sit near a window as much as possible. If a light box is recommended by a doctor, use it for about ½ hour each day (or more, depending on what is prescribed).
• Engage with People – Interaction with people is a must. So engage with people you enjoy being with and do things that you enjoy doing together.
• Live Healthfully - Eat nutritious food and have a regular exercise routine (best to do this at a gym where you will encounter other people so you can socialize as well as raise the endorphin level.)

Get out of the Winter Blues rut by getting a new perspective from being outdoors, with other people and living a healthy life.

If you judge people, you have no time to love them.

-Mother Teresa