Every year around this time, many people fall into a winter slump. Christmas is over, the New Year excitement has waned, and it feels like there is nothing to do.
But, actually there is! Here are 30 creative ways to revive one’s winter wanderlust:
1) See a stage play or live performance.
Check out what’s showing at Popejoy Hall in Albuquerque, The Lensic in Santa Fe or your local performing arts center.
2) Join or start a book club.
Friends and I once started a book club that involved reading books that were made into movies. We’d read the book and then watch the movie. Or—admittedly—we’d just watch the movie.
3) Do some science.
The Bradbury Museum in Los Alamos hosts tons of exhibits, screenings, lectures and events throughout the year. See the event calendar.
4) Take beautiful pictures of White Sands.
This workshop will show you how.
5) Teach your dog a new trick.
You’re not the only one missing those long summer days. Your pup probably has even more cabin fever than you do, so keep him inspired by teaching him something new.
6) Reread your favorite book.
Curl up in a blanket with a hot mug of tea and rediscover a story that makes you happy.
7) Keep a journal.
8) Enjoy some sweets and coffee.
Check out the Southwest Chocolate & Coffee Fest.
9) Go sledding.
10) Try a new restaurant that primarily serves only seasonal dishes.
You might discover something delicious that you’d never hear of before.
11) Join an indoor sports league.
12) Join a pick-up game at your local gym or rec center.
13) Have fun at the Red River Ski Area.
If you’re over skiing at this point in the year, check out the Red River Ski Area calendar. They have tons of no-skis-needed events happening from February to the late March, including a Mardi Gras Children’s Parade and Bead Toss, Sundown Rail Jam, torchlight parade and fireworks, and an End of Season Pond Skim.
14) Hand-write a letter to a friend.
Or send a postcard.
15) Host a game night.
Ask each guest to bring a board game of his or her choice.
16) Adopt an at-home workout schedule.
No-gym workout routines are really popular right now, which is great because getting to the gym is hard enough even when it isn’t cold outside. Try something like Kayla Itsines’ Bikini Body Guide or, for a less expensive option, try any of the guides by Alexa Jean Fitness.
17) Volunteer at a shelter or charity.
18) Take an online class or tutorial.
Here are 20 free ones.
19) Make an indoor obstacle course for your kids.
Use pillows, linens and other household items (preferably those without sharp corners) and rearrange the furniture.
20) Have a “make-your-own-pizza” pizza party.
Each person makes a personal-sized pie, chooses his or her toppings.
21) Relax in an outdoor hot tub.
Few things are more magical than soaking in a hot tub while it’s snowing.
22) Take one picture every day of something that makes you happy.
The 100 Happy Days Challenge might help you keep up with it.
23) Paint in the snow.
Like this.
24) Do a bubble wrap run down the hallway.
This was designed with actual kids in mind, but let’s be honest: bubble wrap brings out the kid in all of us.
25) Host an at-home film festival.
Stream movies on Netflix, pull from your own collection, or ask guests to bring their favorite films. Watch with popcorn, hot chocolate and other homemade treats.
26) Go bowling.
Or make your own DIY bowling alley with recycled bottles, colored masking tape and a little paint.
27) Try a new recipe.
Any time is a good time to expand your culinary repertoire.
28) Subscribe to a few new blogs.
29) Start a blog.
WordPress offers basic blogging for free.
30) Find a new podcast.
Podcasts are great for warming up a chilly morning commute. Right now I’m listening to Hidden Brain and Serial: Season 2.
How do you stave off winter boredom? What are some of your favorite things to do this time of year? Tell me in the comments section below.