How to Beat the Winter Blues

February 13, 2019

Staying Active Helps Fend Off the Winter Doldrums

Short days and cold weather can combine to make a very gloomy season in the winter, leading to low moods and even depression. You can beat the winter blues by staying active, and making sure you get as much natural sunshine and fresh air as you can. A lack of sunlight is a significant factor in winter-time depression so try to be outside as often as you can manage. Even when it's cold. Some winter sports can take a lot of equipment or need several people to play. Unless you're already set up for that, you'll need to find other options that are a little easier for your lifestyle. Get started with some of these simpler winter activities, and you enjoy the season a whole lot more. Snowshoeing Getting out into the snow in a pair of snowshoes is fun and great for anyone since it requires a lot less practice, compared to other winter sports like skiing. All you need is a pair of properly sized snowshoes and some snowy terrain to go hiking through. The large flat surface of the snowshoe holds you up on the top of the snow and they are sized to your shoe size but also to your weight. The technique for walking in them can take a little getting used to but you should be able to get comfortable even on your first try. Ice Skating Another great activity to get you outside in the winter is ice skating. Ideally, you'll have a place that isn't an indoor rink to get the most benefit. But even skating inside is a great way to pass the time in the winter. If you aren't able to skate, you might not be able to just jump into this winter sport immediately. It can take a little practice to master the smooth movements of skating on ice, without falling. Once you get the hang of it, it's a relaxing activity that still gets you a lot of outdoor exercise. Build a Snow Fort Wake up your inner child and take advantage of all that snow. Let yourself have some silly fun, building a complicated fort or even just a classic snowman (or woman). If you can find someone else to play with you, a friendly snowball fight can cheer anyone up. Choose a sunny day and dive into the nearest snowbank. Snow Sledding Living near a large hill can also mean a few rounds of tobogganing or sledding. Like our last suggestion, this is one that works well if you have a kid or two around to play with though it's certainly not necessary. Just make sure you have a safe spot to sled, that isn't going to lead you down into rocky areas or a body of water. Not all winter activities have to be outside. You may not be getting sunlight when you stay indoors, but a few activities can keep your mood upbeat anyway. Take advantage of this indoor time by spending time in the kitchen with a new recipe or two, or try your hand at a little artwork. If nothing else, relax and enjoy a good book or two while sipping a lovely warm drink. A little personal pampering when it’s cold outside can boost anyone's spirit.

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Auto Rates and Finger Prints: Both are Unique to You!

By Jeff Ryan • April 7, 2026

Factors You Can’t Easily Control These factors are built into your profile, but still play a major role: Your location: Claim trends, traffic, and weather patterns where you principally drive. Your age and driving experience: Especially for younger drivers. Other drivers in your household: Their age and driving history. The vehicle you own: Unique to the Year, Make, Model, and Sub-model’s damageability and cost of parts/labor. These factors significantly influence price differences, but they don’t tell the whole story. Factors You Can Control This is where habits and wise decisions can make a real difference: Your driving habits: Minimizing tickets and accidents can have a direct impact. Your coverage choices: Liability limits, deductibles, and optional coverages can vary widely. Your insurance consistency: Avoiding lapses in coverage. Your annual mileage: How much and how often you drive. Discount opportunities: Bundling, pay-in-full, NYS defensive driving course. Your Insurance Score (Yes—You Can Influence It) Insurance companies use a credit-based insurance score as part of their rating process. While it’s based on financial behaviors, it is not permanent—and it can be improved over time. Simple habits like: Paying bills on time Reducing outstanding debt Avoiding excessive credit inquiries… can positively impact your score—and in turn, your insurance rates. Your insurance score is under your control and a worthy mid to long-term project in and of itself. For more information on what you can do to positively influence your score, see: Great 8 Tip #8 - What's Credit Got to Do with Insurance? How Can I Improve My Auto Insurance Score Why Comparing Rates Doesn’t Work When someone says, “I only pay…” , the uniqueness of their fingerprint is missing. What are their: Deductibles Driving history Insurance score Household profile Coverage limits: what they may be giving up in terms of protection. Price without context can be misleading and discouraging.