First of all, congratulations. 

You are more than halfway through what I think is actually the worst month ever. Not only is February cold, but the only “holiday” is Valentine’s Day. 

You're still in a post-Christmas depression. School is actually starting to get hard. Spring break is still 3 weeks away. And when you’re from North Carolina, we don’t even get snow…such a letdown. 

However, there is one redeeming factor about February…it’s short! There are only 28 days where you have to endure this miserable month. And that means there are 28 days to combat seasonal affective disorder and actually do something “productive”.

Here are a few ways to make February not so bad after all!

1.Crack open that book that’s been sitting on your nightstand since Christmas break.

I mean, I took this dreary month as an opportunity to reread Fifty Shades of Grey, but there are tons of other great (and more intelligent) options out there as well! Check out this article for a few recommendations.

2. Try a new recipe.

It’s too cold to go outside, so why not test out your cooking skills in the comfort of your own kitchen? And yes, in February, placing premade cookie dough on a baking sheet does count!

3. Catch up on that TV show you’ve been meaning to finish.

This does count as productive, okay? House of Cards is coming out with its 3^rd season soon – now is the time to binge watch Frank Underwood’s manipulative politics. Or just rewatch One Tree Hill for the fifth time, that’s fine too (but at least try to do number one on this list first.) 

4. Try an indoor exercise.

If you go to Wake, I’m sure you’re aware of Pure Barre. Why not give this (indoor) total body workout a try? The only time you’ll be outdoors is the walk from your car to the studio, and after fifty minutes of intense muscle work, you won't feel so guilty about binge watching Friends on Netflix all day!

5. Try a new restaurant. Specifically with your girlfriends. Specifically on Valentine's Day.

Who needs a boy to go out for a fancy meal? Go out with your best friends and celebrate “Galentine’s Day” at a new restaurant! Winston-Salem has tons of places that I would love to discover – why not branch away from the Carving Board's chicken salad for a night and treat yourself to some wine and cheese at Sixth and Vine?

We all know Winston-Salem isn't known for its prime shopping (Hanes Mall anybody?), so why not hop on Safari and check out the sales on Hautelook or Gilt? Believe it or not, spring break is only 3 weeks away - so it's perfectly acceptable to purchase a few new sundresses, especially when it requires no movement from your couch. 

Sure, you could also be doing homework or searching for internships - but why make such a miserable month even more miserable? The good news is, March is just around the corner!