I have been one of many Maplewoodians who has been counting down the days to spring and sunshine. Who minds a few April showers as long as it's warm enough to shed our winter jackets?

But what happens if your mood doesn't lift despite the increase in temperature?  I turned to a few local experts for their advice and suggestions on methods to bring more joy into our lives.

It was no surprise that Carlos Sanchez, who runs Maplewood Boot Camps, said that exercise is one key way to increase your energy quickly. "A simple way is to go on a 30- to 60-minute walk daily," said Sanchez.

He also advised to make sure you are getting quality sleep. "Get a minimum of eight hours of sleep each night in order to maintain enough energy to get you through the day. Some experts even say that ten hours of sleep each night is what you need to function at your best."

Sanchez, who offers his boot camps both outdoors and indoors, is also a strong advocate for working outdoors. "Exercising in the fresh air rather than the stale air of a gym is better for your lungs. Getting sunlight helps you with Vitamin D intake, which translates to better calcium absorption.  This helps keep your bones strong, avoiding late-in-life issues like osteoporosis," said Sanchez.

Plus working out outdoors is a stress reliever in itself. According to the recent issue of Fitness magazine, "neuroscientists at the University of Queensland in Australia found that the scents of pine trees and grass release natural chemicals into the air that makes us feel less stressed."

We've all heard the saying 'you are what you eat' but do we really pay attention to that adage?  I turned to Maplewood resident Marian Buck-Murray, Nutrition Coach & Healing Foods Specialist, for suggestions on easy ways to incorporate mood-lifting foods into our diet.

Buck-Murray was not surprised at my question. In fact, she had recently addressed that topic in a recent  newsletter. She readily admits that low energy can stem from medical issues such as low blood sugar or low thyroid function. However, she is a firm believer in alkalizing your diet. "Most vegetables, seaweeds, and low-sugar fruits are alkaline-forming foods. All the rest—including meat, sugar, alcohol, refined carbohydrates, dairy, and most grains are acid forming. Quinoa, millet, soy and lentils are all considered alkaline forming foods," explained Buck-Murray.

She asserts that if you eat more fresh vegetables and less protein and refined carbohydrates, you will begin to shift your acid/alkaline ratio. You will see results in your energy level very quickly.

Other alkalizing pick-me ups include:

-1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar in water

-Water with fresh lemon juice

-A green drink such as wheat grass juice

-1-2 teaspoons umeboshi plum paste stirred into water

-A sheet of Nori Seaweed, toasted over the stove top

A bright bouquet of flowers is another easy pick me up. Peggy Excell-Stone, owner of Lotus Petals, knows first hand of the type of power flowers exhibit. "Flowers absolutely brighten your mood and those around you," said Excell-Stone. She may be on to something. A Harvard study revealed that that those who lived with flowers for just a few days felt more enthusiastic and energetic. This great mood stayed with people even in the workplace.

Another natural mood booster, according to Maplewood's Certified Professional Coach Paige Continentino, is to simply take a few minutes to sit down and reconnect to activities that you enjoy. "I advise my clients to make a list of five things that they love to do but haven't done in a long time and commit to doing them," said Continentino. She has recently started following her own advice. "I chose to take a weekly hike through South Mountain Reservation. I am always amazed at how wonderful I feel afterwards."

Continentino believes that simple things, such as talking with a friend or enjoying a cup of coffee on your front porch while listening to the bids chirping, makes you feel alive. "Some of us don't even know what we love to do! Taking the time to rediscover ourselves and then building the time in your schedule on a weekly or monthly basis will make a huge difference in your life," affirms Continentino.

Be sure to take time to smell the roses!