Winter Blues:

With the recent bout of awful weather we’ve seen across the US, it seems the “winter blues” are starting to set in just about everywhere. (Yup, you’re not the only one who let out a triumphant yell when the groundhog didn’t see his shadow yesterday. 6 more weeks of winter? No thanks!)

But while “the winter blues” may not be a medical term, the phenomenon is very real: Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, is the scourge of citizens from the freezing-cold Pacific Northwest to the foggy East coast during these dreary winter months. Extended periods of time without sunshine and warmth can make you feel depressed, fatigued, and irritable. The symptoms of SAD are both psychological and physiological; your mind and body are affected by dragging winter weather.

While the obvious solutions seem to include relocating to a warmer climate or spending a vacation in paradise, let’s face it: Most of us don’t have the financial flexibility to jet off to an island whenever we want. So instead, here are a few easy, budget-friendly ways to banish your winter blues and stay cheery, despite the chilly weather.