If you are someone like me who lives for the summer’s warm weather and sunshine, winter weather can be a huge buzzkill. The days get shorter, the weather gets colder, and once the holiday season ends, it seems like everything just sort of pauses for a little while. I have found myself in the midst of February feeling as though the spring will never come. The good news for sufferers of the winter blues is that there are many ways that you can keep up a positive attitude, and get yourself back to the beach in no time.

1. Find a new hobby.

Even though I am the worst skier in the world, learning how to ski in middle school caused me to concentrate on a new hobby, and made me look forward to spending my weekends in the cold.

2. Exercise.

It is pretty well known that exercise can greatly impact your mood. At times in the winter, it can be hard to motivate yourself to do it. Sometimes, staying bundled up and warm can seem more appealing. However, it is important to keep active a few times a week. It will make a huge difference.

3. Get outside.

On the days that the sun is out, which is still relatively often, utilize it. Even though it is cold out, the sun’s rays are still there, and can automatically make you feel happier.

4. Keep your mind (and self) busy.

Instead of staying in binge watching TV all day, try to place your mind elsewhere. Reading books can be great for keeping your mind busy in your free time (or doing your homework). If you feel like you are spending a lot of your time at home, try to get yourself out more with friends, and utilize your surroundings.

5. Plan things to look forward to.

Try to plan ahead for fun things that you can count down to, such as going away for the weekend, seeing a new movie coming out in theaters, or going to a concert.

6. Take care of yourself.

One of the biggest causes to being happy is being healthy. Get enough sleep, eat well, and make sure you aren’t over working yourself.

7. Start watching a new TV show.

While I am not enforcing staying inside binge-watching all day, having a show to look forward to watching once a week can be a good motivator after a long day. The winter months usually are a time for shows to start up again, such as The Bachelorette.

8. Be aware of how you feel.

It is absolutely normal to feel down at times in the middle of the winter. It is dark, the days are shorter, and there isn’t a whole lot going on. But it is notnormal to feel sad every day of the week. Make sure to self-evaluate and make sure that there is not a deeper problem going on, and seek help if needed.