Staying Sane through this APOCOLYPTIC Winter Season!

Howdy folks!

This winter season has really been long! After surviving the "Polar Vortex" (who made that one up?) and counting the days until Spring arrives, I thought I would share some tips for keeping your sanity, and getting a jump on the coming season.

Turn Off the TV!
I stopped watching live network television about 2 years ago. I still keep up with my two favorite shows, ABC's Grey's Anatomy, and the new "Scandal." I now watch them on Netflix, or On Demand. This has really freed up a lot of time for me to read, write, and to do research for my business. For you parents, it also gives you control over what your kids are watching, I am personally a fan of keeping the innocence of childhood alive as long as possible.

Read a Book!
I recently discovered the book department at my local thrift shop. I have purchased first editions of all of my favorite authors, and revisited some old favorites. I also use the newsstand/book store app on my iphone too. I haven't paid more than $5 for a book in over 2 years.

Talk on the Phone!
This is the age of communication! With all of the email, and texting, when was the lat time you actually picked up the phone for a chat with your BFF? I could spend the day on the phone! Brings me back to the day when I would sit for hours in the hall on the old rotary phone in my parent's place. I try to make an it a habit to call friends on their birthday, and to check in often on the phone with my mom, and my out of town family.

Write a Letter or Start a Correspondence with a Pen Pal!
Getting offline, and actually shopping for cards, and fancy writing paper does keep the boredom at bay! I am on a personal mission to keep the US Postal Service going!

Sort and Purge!
A favorite activity of mine! I continue to donate or trash items I no longer need or want. This list includes old electronics, books I have read, clothes that no longer fit or are out of style, expired cosmetics and medications, and anything I have not used in over a year. I spend about fifteen minutes a day sorting at least one thing, a drawer, a shelf, a bin of old things. For those of you who have not moved in some time, you may want to consider your relationship with your stuff. Less is more!

Plan a Fun Get Together with Family or Friends!
This is one of my favorite cures for boredom! A Party! I have been to some wonderful winter soirees this year, looking forward to St. Patrick's Day festivities! Simple is good! Call your BFF's and tell them each to bring over something to eat and to share, and then put on your favorite movie, or play a game of "Mystery Date!"

Thanks for reading! Please share your thoughts and comments! I enjoy hearing from you! Until next time, bundle up and stay warm!

JP