The hubbub of the holidays are over, and most people are now back to work, trying to work their way through the long winter. This time of year – the stretch from January through March (and even April and May in some places) – is tough, waiting out the cold until the great thaw comes to free us from our indoor rut. After all, you can only watch so much Netflix. Here are four ways to stay motivated through the frigid months.

1. Find ways to surprise yourself every day.

There is no better way to break free of a rut than to do something different. And it doesn’t have to be big – take a new route to work. Try a new restaurant. Make a new recipe. Do something nice for a fellow coworker. Changing up your routine, even in a small way, can add interest to your life and introduce you to new experiences and sensations.

2. Take up a new hobby.

The winter months are a great time to take up a new skill. That pottery class you’ve always wanted to try? Give it a go! Want to learn how to cook? There are classes for that as well. Take up a new sport, and better yet, get a friend to go with you. The added social benefits you’ll get from hanging out with a friend will make the activity even more uplifting.

3. Create a goal and make plans for completing it.

Want to get into running? Sign up for a 5K for the spring and use the coming months to train for it. Fancy yourself a writer? Make a pact with yourself to carve out 10 minutes each day to write. Whatever your craft, make a goal, and more importantly, a plan to complete it. Sticking to a plan will add interest to your days and come spring, you’ll feel a great sense of accomplishment for all your efforts.

4. Plan a vacation.

Studies have shown that the mere act of planning, and then looking forward to a vacation is sometimes more or as rewarding as the vacation itself. Plan a trip that you can look forward to for a few weeks to ease the winter slump.

How do you stay motivated through the winter months? We’d love to hear your tips! Share with us in the comments below.