5 Tips for Curing the Winter Blues

Winter can be a tough season for many of us. Shorter days, colder weather, and a lack of sunshine can sometimes leave us feeling down or unmotivated. But don’t worry – there are plenty of ways to lift your spirits and bring some warmth back into your life. Here are five simple tips to help cure the winter blues:

1. Prioritize Rest

With the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it’s easy to overlook the importance of rest. The winter season is the perfect time to recharge your batteries. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep each night, aiming for 7-9 hours if possible. If you’re feeling extra fatigued, give yourself permission to take a short nap or enjoy a lazy day at home.

2. Treat Yourself to Your Favorite Meal

Comfort food can do wonders for the soul. Whether you whip up your favorite meal at home or treat yourself to a night out at a cozy restaurant, savoring delicious food can lift your mood and bring a sense of joy. Don’t hesitate to experiment with new recipes or revisit nostalgic dishes that remind you of happy times.

3. Plan Something Fun

Having something to look forward to can make a big difference during the winter months. Plan an outing, such as a day trip, movie night, or weekend getaway. Even small events like a coffee date with a friend or an evening of board games can add excitement to your routine and brighten your mood.

4. Stay Active

Exercise is a proven mood booster. Physical activity releases endorphins, which can help reduce feelings of sadness or stress. Whether it’s yoga, a brisk walk, a dance class, or hitting the gym, find an activity that you enjoy and make it part of your weekly schedule. If getting outside is challenging, try online workouts or stretching sessions in the comfort of your home.

5. Make Plans with Family or Friends

Spending time with loved ones can be incredibly uplifting. Organize a gathering, whether it’s a casual coffee date, a shared meal, or a fun group activity. Connecting with others can help you feel supported and bring a sense of joy and belonging during the colder months.

We hope this helps you enjoy the winter months!

Winter Home Maintenance Checklist 

Winterizing your home is a very important process for homeowners! We want to ensure you and your home are properly prepared for the winter months; use our winter home maintenance checklist to properly prep your home for the season.

1. Make sure your heating system is functioning properly:
   1. Have a professional inspect your system once a year
   2. Change filters quarterly (every 3 months)
   3.  Make sure any outdoor units are clear of debris and nothing is blocking any of the intakes
   4. If there are seasonal switch overs, like a humidifier, make sure it’s calibrated and turned on

1. Clean out your gutters & downspouts:
   1. Make sure gutters and downspouts are free from debris, such as, leaves and sticks so any snow melting in the spring can drain adequately

1. Hose & Hose Bibs
   1. Drain all hoses, unhook them, and store them in a garage or garden shed for the winter
   2. Shut off all exterior water to prevent pipes freezing; like hose bibs

1. Store Seasonal Outdoor Items
   1. Store or cover any patio furniture
   2. Put away all garden tools and garden decorations
   3. Plant pots should be cleaned out and covered

1. Stock up on Salt, Sand, or Gravel
   1. Whichever you like to use on icy driveways/pathways, make sure you stock up. You never know when the first slippery day will be and it’s better to be prepared