For many of us, a long, cold Winter is not something we look forward to. And most of us cannot afford to be snowbirds for the next 4-5 months and travel to warmer climates. There are some things you can do to make this Winter season feel a little warmer and go by a little quicker.

Take some time for yourself. After all of the holiday festivities, it is time to utilize that gym membership. Everyone I know has a gym membership whether they use it or not. Time to dust it off! A nice 30 minute workout can do wonders for your mental self, and help you with the extra waistline you picked up between Thanksgiving and New Years. If you belong to a gym that has a sauna or steam room, It’s time to sweat out those toxins that you have been building up. There is no better way to feel a quick jolt or rejuvenation than a 15-20 minute steam a couple of times a week.

How about a mani or pedi? Even the guys can enjoy a nice foot massage and a scrub. For under $40, it is an easy way to pull some of the stress out of your day and it can be very relaxing, especially on cold Winter days. Don’t forget the occasional full body massage. Some gyms offer massages, but if not, there seems to be a spa in every shopping center these days.

Take a long weekend. If you have the ability to take off on a Friday or a Monday occasionally, there are lots of things you can do to break up the monotony of gray days and frigid temps. Perhaps you are one that enjoys the activities that come with the season. If so, there are a half dozen ski resorts within a 3-4 hour drive, and several outdoor ice skating venues as close as the Washington DC Mall. But if a warmer destination is something you’re seeking, don’t forget Charles County is within an hours drive to a cruise ship, docking at the Port of Baltimore. You can take a 5 day cruise to Bermuda right now for less than the cost of staying in some hotels! And if you a spontaneous enough, the last minute deals for unbooked rooms will save you even more money. Cheapcruises.com is a great source for booking information.

Take an even longer weekend. Mid-Winter vacations are a great way to break up the blahs. They give you something to shoot for and by the time the after-vacation memories start to fade, Spring will be upon us!

Lastly, just breathe. You will get through it. It is just a temporary situation. Take it day by day, eat healthy food, curb the happy hour cravings and get plenty of sleep.

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