After the holidays and the New Year roll around, we are left in a cold, lifeless, uneventful period of about 4 months. In this time, some enjoy the cold, some hibernate, and others actually experience seasonal depression. While I am already beginning to feel the symptoms of the common winter-hater, I am trying to take a few steps to make sure I remain my positive, active, and social self.

Feel the warmth – As much as I am against tanning beds, going tanning has been proven to improve your mood in small doses in the wintertime, according to EverydayHealth.com. You can also hit the sauna if you have one available. I also like to use self-tanners (my favorite is St. Topez tanning mousse) for a self confidence boost and a quick “toned” look in the dead of winter.

Pamper yourself – It’s easy to become complacent in your every day beauty routines when you’re all covered up in clothes or are shut in from everyone you know. Get your nails done, shave, moisturize, have an at-home spa day with some full-body scrub for a quick pick-me-up.

Go shopping – Get out of the house and into somewhere warm. Hit the mall to socialize, shop, exercise, and experience the busy world that is going on outside of your home, despite the freezing temperatures.

Spend time with family and friends – It might be easier to stay in with a blanket, a glass of wine, and a movie, but grab your warmest clothes and get out with your friends and family or have them over to your place! Make sure you have plans frequently enough that those nights alone at home don’t become a regular routine.

Create a goals/buck list – New Year’s Resolutions aside, the long winter is reason enough to knock out some tasks you’ve always wanted to do. Create a to-do list of things you want to do, not have to do. Read, watch movies and learn new skills you’ve been putting off. Take up knitting, learn to cook, or take a pottery class for another reason to get out of the house!

Gear up ahead of time on snow gear – We often don’t realize how well prepared we are for the cold until it’s too late. Use the holiday sales (or your wish-list) to stock up on winter essentials. A winter essentials list is coming soon!

Explore your creativity – Take this “downtime” as an opportunity to draw, sing, write or paint. Bonus points if you paint a room in your house a new, fun color to boost your mood!

Stay active – Make it a habit to go to the gym or even just find a treadmill to walk for 30 minutes a day to get moving. There are also plenty of at-home workouts you can do, such as Kayla Itsines’s Bikini Body Guide , or break a sweat using Wii sports to throw in a little competitive fun with your friends or family!

Focus on your health – Eat foods that boost serotonin, such as eggs, pineapple, nuts, and salmon. Read the entire list here, or dose up on serotonin-boosting supplements.

Plan a getaway – As happy as we can make ourselves at home, it always helps to have something to look forward to. Plan a winter adventure, like a ski trip or cabin weekend, or a warm getaway at the beach with a tropical drink.

Do you have any other ways you stay happy and motivated during the winter months? I'd love to hear them! Please share them in comments below!

Stay warm, friends!