Beat the Winter Blues

hot_chocolate2If you don’t want to spend your whole winter curled up in your doona, hot chocolate in hand and watching endless re-runs on the TV, then set yourself a goal to experience something new or to get out of your comfort zone this winter.

A great way to immerse yourself in a community is to visit a place as a house sitter and live like a local for a short while.

You can even wander around towns that you’ve already visited to see how mother nature transforms the surrounding environment. With fewer crowds and some time to explore, you’re sure to uncover a few hidden secrets that you overlooked in the height of peak season.

Or you may just want a change of scenery while you’re still working nine to five. Then find a house and pet sitting position close by. You may see your town or city in a different way from a nearby suburb.

Here are some tips to help you to enjoy winter:

  • Set a Goal: Give yourself a goal to aim for. Whether it is caring for a new pet or house sitting in a place that you wouldn’t usually consider, making sure you have your sights set on a goal is important.
  • Choose a Furry Friend: Having pets around you is proven to have many health benefits. Choose a position where you have to care for an animal so that you have company during your stay. You’ll be a friend to them while their owner is away and you will also get the chance to see why animals help people relax and feel happy.
  • Be Flexible: You’ve got your goal, but you may not find a position that fits all your criteria. So be a little flexible and open a dialogue with home owners about how you can work together to achieve your goals.
  • Have Fun: Make the most of your winter time-out. Take your new four legged friend out for a run at the nearby dog park; take some time to learn about the home owners vegetable garden and the plants that grow during winter; enjoy your time in a different home and different community.

House and pet sitting is a very rewarding experience and can turn your winter blues into a winter wonderland!