If you have a difficult time in winter, what do you do?

**GreenChicks** · 12-29-2010, 11:48 AM

I go to FL every winter for a time. I budget it in, and I do it very, very frugally. This year, however, I need to save for something else for one of my children (education related) and should not be using any of that money for FL.

How am I frugally going to manage a long cold winter? I wake up already nervous about it and it's still Dec. April is a long way away.

What do you do when you're looking at crying jags due to the cold. What do you do to get through it? I know I need to grow up and suck it up.

**shoiji** · 12-29-2010, 11:56 AM

Walking seems to be the only form of exercise I will do on a consistent basis. So right now with all the snow I bundle myself up and walk around the parking lot. Not everyone shovels around here so it seems to be the safest.

When the sun is shinning I open all the curtains and let the sun in. I will also open the balcony door and let some fresh air get in.

Winter can get really gloomy for me but I do notice I perk up when there are real flowers in the house. I also have some christmas cacti that are trying to bloom. Seeing flowers in the winter time seems to perk me up. Usually the grocery store has some type of flowers on sale. If it is in the budget I will pick a bunch up.

**Debbie-cat** · 12-29-2010, 11:58 AM

I keep myself busy with crafts and reading. Once February rolls around I begin the planning of my gardens. That helps. Good luck. Try to keep busy and the time will fly by.

**GreenChicks** · 12-29-2010, 12:01 PM

You guys actually made me cry. Maybe I can do this.

**madhen** · 12-29-2010, 12:01 PM

Winter is when I get into knitting again. Can't seem to knit when it is hot outside.

I also have a manual treadmill that I got for free from FreeCycle. That thing is GREAT. Around here, we get a lot of rain in the winter, so I can walk in the relative comfort of my own livingroom, while watching t.v, listening to a podcast, or reading! And after about 10 minutes on that thing, even though I am just walking, I've worked up a sweat and I am HOT!!

**monkeywrangler71** · 12-29-2010, 12:07 PM

Of course you can do it!

Sunlight is the key, try to get as much sunlight into your house as you can. For any task that you can do sitting down, make a point of doing it sitting in front of a sunny window. And if you can get yourself out for a walk on a sunny day, the combination of sunlight and exercise will do wonders for you.

**2ndGenGranola** · 12-29-2010, 12:32 PM

We have upgraded many of our CFL to those with a higher number (less "romantic" and more like daylight sun). It can be blinding walking into our bathroom but the light feels good. I have the "good" lights in the craft room too. We will eventually get them in all areas of the house.

**pollypurebred39** · 12-29-2010, 12:33 PM

GreenChicks- How about a water aerobics class at the Y? The pools heated, you get to chat with your classmates, it's kind of like Summer. Gets you out and about.

**piney** · 12-29-2010, 12:55 PM

I always have a bad time in winter unless i make my self get out and go a lot and be around other people.That the reason i have a spend problem i will go to wg. or sa, just to look and get out the house and be around other people but wind up buying something,will be thinking about you and hoping every thing goes well for you.hugs

**frugal is fun** · 12-29-2010, 02:55 PM

I enjoy the winter, at least until March, then I start to get tired of it. But I like to ski, and I like to go to hockey games, I like to shovel (to a certain extent), I like the snow, I like having fires in my fire place drinking hot chocolate. I like getting all bundled up and going for a walk.

You don't have to be inside 24/7 in the winter. Put on a pair of long johns and go for a walk around the block. Does your town have any activities? my town has a bon fire on the green at least twice in the winter.

Some of the most beautiful days happen in the winter. After a new snow fall, with the sun shining, crisp air...its just beautiful.

Winter in New England is much more than dark cold days.

**imagine** · 12-29-2010, 03:08 PM

After reading the other what I was going to post seems way off.

It seems you are trying to figure out how to handle the emotional side of cold weather frugally. I had never thought about that

My advice was how to handle the cold. Things like we stopped eating at the kitchen table as it was to cold and are eating at the dinning room table as it is a bit warmer. And lots of throw blankets on the sofa. Warm sweaters and such.

Yet another opportunity to imagine my life differently.

**ladykemma2** · 12-29-2010, 03:30 PM

Originally Posted by GreenChicks

I I wake up already nervous about it and it's still Dec. April is a long way away.

What do you do when you're looking at crying jags due to the cold. What do you do to get through it?

have you had your thyroid checked? anemia? a physical exam?

**pip** · 12-29-2010, 03:38 PM

Try to get out and be by people everyday, if you can. Also, daily exercise and extra Vitamin D helps me quite a bit.

**Imarachne** · 12-29-2010, 03:41 PM

Lots of light--lots of yarn !!

**frugalwarrior2** · 12-29-2010, 03:51 PM

Well, to be honest i used to eat mounds of carbs,put on lots of weight and be moody.
This year I started Zoloft, am getting out more,I bought one of those S.A.D. lights.

If its the cold itself- I got energy smart space heaters that oscillate and are cool to the touch (pets). They shut off when they tip over.
I bought new flannels and a heavy coat,boots,hat and gloves.

I find if i make a list the night before I have a course when I get up instead of mopeing around. Staying on this board helped too.