In my mind, this article from Living within Realtor.ca seems a bit late and you may appreciate some points more than others but as we approach the end of February the end of winter may be getting closer and yet… And yet we may need a little boost to make it to spring.

The holidays have come and gone, and the novelty of a new year has worn off—February is officially here. While it might be the shortest month of the year, it always feels like the longest.

Motivation can be hard to come by when the amount of sunlight is minimal at best, but there are plenty of tasks, activities, and projects you can tackle to keep you busy, productive, and healthy until spring.

If you’re trying to beat the winter “blahs” try one of the activities below to stay busy!

1. Write out a meal plan.

Put those bookmarked recipes to good use and come up with a tasty dinner plan. Meal plans can help spark creativity in the kitchen. Create a weekly shopping list based on your selected recipes so you’ll have all the ingredients at the ready. You’ll feel organized, prepared, and confident when your family asks, “what’s for dinner?”

2. Declutter and organize.

With the rush of the holidays and the bustle of the new year, chances are there’s still some tidying and organizing that needs to happen around your home. Clutter and mess lead to stress, so getting rid of old or unwanted items can clear your space and make you more relaxed. Box up old toys or books. Toss all those socks with holes in them. Anything that’s still in good condition but just not needed in your home can be taken to a local Goodwill, shelter, food bank, or other community outreach program. You’ll be surprised how much lighter and happier you’ll feel!

3. Paint a wall.

Staring at the same four walls for months can leave you itching for a change of scenery, so why not mix things up with a can of paint? Lighten up a dark space by painting it white. Create drama in a room by going dark. Go bold in your living space with a vibrant feature wall. A simple can of paint is an inexpensive and easy way to make a big impact on your space.

4. Plant an indoor herb garden.

There’s nothing like adding fresh herbs to your meals; they boost flavour, add colour, and contain a variety of nutrients. Planting a herb garden is an excellent way to ensure you have access to fresh herbs year-round. So, forget those grocery store herbs, grab an indoor growing kit, and start your countertop garden today.

5. Enjoy an at-home spa day.

Gather the bubble bath, candles, mud-masks, and calming music for an at-home spa day. Set aside a few hours to relax and pamper yourself. Give yourself a facial, manicure, pedicure, or partake in any other type of personal maintenance you might have been putting off. This one small act of self-care can be extremely rewarding.

6. Try a small DIY.

There is no lack of easy and quick DIY projects on the internet, so why not give one a try! From the terracotta paint hack to shibori, experiment with several small DIY projects to discover one that you love.

7. Swap your lightbulbs.

Did you know new, energy-efficient LEDs only use 20%–25% of the energy and can last 15-25 times longer than the traditional incandescent bulbs? It’s worth the investment to make the switch, which will save you hundreds over the lifetime of the bulbs.

8. Redecorate for winter.

Winter’s harsh weather conditions can leave you craving warmth, coziness, and comfort; decorating your space with these five must-have décor items will transform your space giving it that sought-after cozy vibe.

9. Stay active.

With winter in full swing and snow up to your knees, it can be hard to get outside for the prescribed 30 minutes of physical activity every day. Setting up a small work-out area in your home can keep you motivated and focused on your goals. If you need workout ideas or inspiration, there are thousands of free and paid workout videos online.

10. Have a movie night.

Grab the snacks, pop some popcorn, and gather the family–it’s movie night! If your family has a hard time agreeing on a movie, put everyone’s selection in a hat and draw a title, it keeps it fair and square!

11. Do some good for others.

We can all agree, February is a hard month for everybody. Bring a smile to someone’s face with an act of kindness. It can be as simple as paying for the person behind you in the drive-through or shoveling your neighbour’s driveway. You’ll feel good, they’ll feel good–it’s a win, win!

12. Make a reno list.

Keeping a mental list of all your home renovations? Get all those ideas out of your head and down on paper! Details like budget, timeline, and materials can help you prioritize and map out your plan of attack.

13. Plan something to look forward to.

While travelling to a tropical island might be off the table for now, planning a trip, event, or special activity will give you something to look forward to.

14. Deep clean.

If your home is looking a little dusty it might be time for a deep clean. Tidy up rooms, remove clutter, vacuum, dust, and wipe down surfaces with a multi-purpose cleaner. If it has truly been a while since you last cleaned, it also might be time to disinfect

15. Mend your clothes.

Sew that button back on your blouse or hem those pants that are too long. You’ll thank yourself later.We’re confident these 16 ways to stay busy will help you beat the winter blahs and bring joy to your life. How do you stay busy in the dreary winter month? Tell us in the comments section below.

16. Binge-watch a new show.

If you subscribe to a streaming service like Netflix or Amazon Prime you have access to thousands of new (or old) shows that are ready for bingeing. From home décor before-and-after shows to classics like Friends, there are lots of options to keep you busy.