Lifestyle Debt Feeling Blue Here Are 5 Tips On How To Kick The Winter Blues

It’s that time of year again. It’s cold, and dark and wintertime. Nothing saws ‘reward me’ like a little shopping and getting yourself that special something to perk up your day. But wait! Consider the consequences! You’ll only pay for it later. Especially if that shiny new bauble gets charged onto an already debt laden credit card or causes an NSF at the bank because you weren’t keeping track. Chances are, you could be paying for that spontaneous treat for a long time to come. It’s not easy. Especially when you’ve got the winter blues. It can be depressing to think about how much you are in debt and when and if you will ever climb out. It’s easier to give up and go shopping. The tricky stitch is, this reaction won’t help your debt disappear as the next time your credit card statement arrives in the mail or the bank calls you about anew NSF, the cycle of spending your way out of the blues will only begin again.

Here are some tips on how to kick the Winter Blues that won’t end up breaking the bank:

1. Exercise. Go online and find a video of something that you want to try but aren’t sure if you want to commit to long term – yoga, Pilates, Zumba or Cardio Kick Boxing are all good ideas. You can try it out alone, learn some new moves, shed some extra calories and brighten your mood. By the way, still paying for a gym membership that you don’t use? Might want to cancel it now.
2. Laugh. Go online and find a video of one of your favourite comedians and spend some time enjoying their hilarious way of looking at the world around them.
3. Go to the library. Check out dozens of books, movies, cds, dvds, magazines and video games for free. You’ll leave with bags and bags of goodies and it won’t cost you anything at all. Can’t leave the house? Go online and download online books and audio tapes of your favourite authors for free. Still buying books and magazines from the store? Resolve to stop and start getting them for free.
4. Make a date. Book a date in the near future with friends or family for something free to do nearby. Your city may have skating, swimming or other recreation programs that you can participate in for free. That way you’ll have something to look forward to with someone special.
5. Make something warm and tasty. Check through your cupboards and use up that special hot chocolate – or tea – or soup that is there waiting for a cold dark day like today. Share it with a friend and then it will cheer you both.

To learn more about what debt solutions are available to you and how you can come up with a customized strategy to manage your debt, contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.