Ah February, and the cabin fever has set in. The holidays are well behind us, and even the groundhogs can’t decide if spring will be here soon or not. It is the perfect scenario for the winter doldrums. A break in the routine is called for, but you don’t want to break your budget. Here are some ideas:
1. Head to the library.
Check out a juicy book, or a movie. It is free!
2. Look for free days at the museum.
If they don’t have free days, consider a membership. They usually pay for themselves in a couple of visits, and you will have an activity to do year round!
3. Go play outside.
Really! Pick a sunny day, and go play, even if there is snow. Go sledding with the kids, take a walk, or go ice skating. The fresh air and sunshine will be truly invigorating!
4. Do it yourself spa.
Take some time alone, or maybe with a friend, and do your nails, color your hair, or something else that makes you feel pampered and pretty.
5. Learn something new.
Always wanted to learn a craft or a skill. Take the time now, when life tends to be a little slower.
6. Don’t go window shopping.
Unless you have a lot of will power, don’t tempt yourself. At worst you’ll come home with a lot of stuff you don’t need. At the least you will find things you wish you could buy, and be frustrated because you can’t.
7. Enjoy nature, from the house.
Put out a bird feeder near a window. Get a field guide from the library, and keep track of how many birds come to your feeder.
8. Turn off the T.V.
Resist the temptation to just veg in front of the tube in the winter. There isn’t much good on anyhow. Break out the cards or a board game, and enjoy something that makes you use your brain.
9. Connect with family and friends.
Pick up the phone, type an email, or write a letter to someone you haven’t connected with for a long time. If possible you could even go visit. Nothing beats the doldrums like rehashing the good old days with an old friend.
10. De-clutter.
It may not sound like the most exciting option, but you will feel good when it is done. Clean out that closet. Rearrange a room. Organize your desk. Sell things you don’t need anymore on eBay, or donate them to charity. It is a win-win!
Don’t let February leave you with the winter doldrums. Spring really will be here soon, and until then you have plenty of things to keep you active while keeping to your budget.
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