With the cold weather upon us, it’s common to want to get outside and move. After all, being stuck inside isn’t nearly as exciting as the abundance of activities that spring and summer have to offer. However, there are many ways to beat cabin fever so you aren’t left feeling bored, restless, or agitated.

Keep in mind that it’s always beneficial to plan ahead. If you know you are going to be home all weekend and are not sure how to fill your time, reach out to your friends and family and schedule an activity. By making plans in advance, you’ll avoid the stress of having to set something up last-minute – plus, you’ll have something to look forward to!

Here are a few ways to tackle the winter blues:

Go to a museum.
While your go-to activity might be to head to the movies or go shopping, chances are you probably haven’t spent much time in a museum lately. You might need to travel a little farther to get to one, but it’s always valuable to use your brain and learn something. A quick online search can tell you what’s in your area, and you can usually buy tickets ahead of time to beat the line!

Schedule a cooking class.
From newbies to foodies, a cooking class is a fun, interactive experience for everyone! You can choose to do the class alone or ask a few friends to sign up with you. The experience will get you out of your home for a few hours and teach you a few tricks to use in your own kitchen, and you’ll get to enjoy a delicious meal by the end of it!

Go rock climbing.
Do you ever feel a sense of dread when it comes to exercising in the winter? If you sometimes feel like you have to drag yourself out of bed just to make it to the gym, you’re certainly not alone! That’s why we encourage you to mix it up and try something new. Rock climbing is an activity that stimulates your whole body, and it can be a lot of fun when you’re up for a challenge!

Make it a spa day.
Calm both your body and mind by carving out some time on your calendar just for you. Book a massage or facial and enjoy a few hours of pure relaxation. Plus, many spas also have saunas, so you can work up a sweat and detox before heading home. You’ll feel rejuvenated and like a million bucks in no time!

Staying in?
Let’s face it! Some days we would rather stay home than face the bitter cold. Of course, there are several small things you can do to occupy your free time, like taking a bath, meditating, reading a book, cooking, or watching a movie you’ve been dying to see. And while these activities can all be squeezed into one day, here are three fun things to do at home that will leave you feeling energized and more productive!

At-home workout
Being stuck inside is no longer an excuse for not being able to work out. Thanks to on-demand apps that you can download and companies like Mirror and Peloton, working up a sweat has never been easier. Set aside some time to work out and you’ll instantly feel recharged and renewed.

Declutter
When you know you’re going to be inside for a few hours, cross decluttering off your to-do list! Go through last year’s clothes to get rid of what’s no longer important to you or organize your overflowing pantry. By creating space and order in your life, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment that will boost your mood.

Game night
Inviting a few friends over is a good way to occupy your time, as long as you don’t plan on sitting in front of the TV all night. Instead, host a game night! From popular apps like Heads Up! to old-school favorites like Jenga, there are a variety of fun games you can play with a group.

We’ve covered a few ways to remain active, social, and balanced throughout the winter months. Tell us: What are your favorite ways to beat the cold? Comment below!