Beating the January blues …

Beating-the-january-bluesOf course, we are referring to the mood, not the temperature. If you want advice on how to avoid the temperature, book a cruise to a sunny destination, pack your sunglasses, and hope that Winter Storm Hercules does not thwart your efforts.

January can be a let-down every year. The holidays have come to a close, and family members have to get back to work and school…the normal routine. Winter weather can make it seem like there is no end in sight. It’s time to shake things up a bit with tips on how to make the winter blues go away.

Embrace Winter. The truth is, winter will be here for awhile. Remember the old saying “If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em”? Plan an outdoor adventure for your family with sledding, snowman building or skiing, and don’t forget the hot chocolate and hot toddies at the finish. Snow Creek is an awesome place!

Forced Family Fun. At Home. Take advantage of these temperatures. No one wants to go anywhere. Grab some blankets, popcorn and a movie. The younger kids might have fun building a furniture fort in your living room. If you have teenagers, grab a silly board game and request their presence. Before you know it, you will forget all about your winter blues. Here are 10 great ideas!

Lighten Up. Nothing makes me feel better than getting rid of stuff I don’t use anymore. In fact, in our home, we have a yearly tradition of going through our house sometime between Christmas and New Year’s, and getting rid of anything we have not used. Then we donate this collection on New Year’s Eve. Trust me, this activity will leave you feeling refreshed and philanthropic, knowing that someone else will find joy in something that was weighing you down. Here are 3 great ways to donate with The Salvation Army!

Organize Yourself.  Could ‘organization’ be on your list of resolutions this year? It can be a daunting task. Start small. Try doing one closet. Take everything out, get rid of what doesn’t belong (see above), and use bins to hold similar items. Then call it a day. Schedule yourself to do this once a month over the next year. You will be amazed at the progress you can make.

Plan a Project. Nothing beats the winter blues like planning to freshen up your home. Make a list of the features you would like to change, and then make plans for each area. For the projects you can do on your own, choose one. Make a list of everything you will need, and go to the store to buy it. Stuck inside on a blustery day, you will beam with pride at your newly painted accent wall. For those projects that require a professional, call to schedule an appointment, and be one step closer to the makeover of which you’ve been dreaming.

Create a Sanctuary. After facing a rugged commute, or shoveling your way to the mail, your home should provide the ultimate environment for relaxation, calm and cozy. Nothing helps set the mood like the window treatments from Hunter Douglas. With the highest energy efficiency on the market, Hunter Douglas window treatments allow you to keep your home at the ideal temperature without it escaping out of your windows. Your home will be further enhanced as just the right amount of light filters through to create the perfect atmosphere.  Winter blahs? Freshen up your home by adding window treatments for form, function and amazing style. Let us help you create a sanctuary in your home. Contact us for a free, in-home consultation.