7 Ways to Prepare for February Doldrums

If you can, February is a great time to take a vacation, even if it's a short weekend getaway. Just going somewhere away from all the snow piling up around you can make a difference – even if you go somewhere that has its own snow. At least it's new snow, and new piles of slush, and new swatches of grey sky, you know what I mean?

Sometimes all you need to shove back February doldrums is a little color in your life. One great way to get that is to decorate for Valentine's Day. If you downright hate Valentine's Day, this probably isn't the best option for you, but otherwise, it's a great way to incorporate some vibrancy in your life. Reds and pinks and purples, hearts and cupids and candy – who can be full of malaise surrounded by those kinds of things?

Scrapbooking is also a great way to make February seem a little brighter and better. See, when you start looking at memories from other times, it helps you remember those times, of course, so you can see, touch, smell, taste, and hear them. Who cares about the grey stretch of February when you can be transported to your daughter's fourth birthday party, the day of your college graduation, or your parents' 30th wedding anniversary?

In line with that is this: when winter seems like it will never end, it's the perfect time to start in on a new hobby. You need something to occupy your time, and a hobby is a great way to do that. Learning how to do something new is also a great way to distract yourself. Learn how to knit or skate or bowl; take up French or Chinese.

Cooking just makes you feel better sometimes – and even if it doesn't, eating what you've cooked probably will. Banish those doldrums by feeling your home with the warmth and delicious smells of a scrumptious, home cooked meal. It makes everything seem brighter.

It's hard to be down or depressed when you remain active. Exercising throughout the month of February will fill you with endorphins and adrenaline, and it's almost impossible to give into the doldrums at that point. Do what you can to exercise and stay active, and the last part of winter is going to go by in a flash.

A great way to battle those grey February days is to look for what's beautiful about it. That may be inside or outside, it doesn't matter – you can still take a picture of it. If you can't find beauty in the interminable stretch of winter's final months, make some beauty yourself.

February may be the shortest month, but at times it really does seem endless. There is no reason to let it stretch on like that. What do you do when you start to get a little stir crazy in winter?

Top Photo Credit: Lorena S.