Now is the time when winter doldrums set in. 

There are no big holidays on the horizon (unless you live in a place that celebrates Mardi Gras seriously).  Let’s face it, for most of us, Valentine’s Day isn’t a big draw.

The Super Bowl is over and March Madness has not yet begun.

The days are getting longer, but it’s still dark by the time I get home from work.

The weather is cold and blustery and falling snowflakes have lost their charm.

The Christmas bills are in and taxes lie in the near future, so retail therapy is out of the question.

So what can you do (without spending tons of money) to get through this dreary, weary time:

• Think comfort food.  A big pot of homemade soup isn’t too muh work and it makes the house smell wonderful.  Plus it’s healthy and filling.
• GIve yourself a day or two to do whatever creafts make you happy — maybe some of the Christmas crafts you didn’t have time for in December.
• Make a trip to the public library.  Cards are free and you can stock up on all sorts of fun books to read while curled up on the couch on a cold winter night.
• Break out the beauty products you got for Christmas and have a spa day.  Take a bubble bath.  Do a facial mask.  Slather yourself in moisturizer.  Give yourself a manicure and pedicure.
• Dig out all those DVDs and VHS tapes you have and treat yourself to a film favorites festival.  Top it off with a nice big bowl of popcorn (without butter it’s low in fat and high in fiber).

If you have other ideas, share them in the comments.