After what seems like nonstop snowstorms this winter, it’s easy to get restless as you daydream about warmer weather and blue skies from inside the house.

While we still may have a few weeks — hopefully not months — left of winter, that doesn’t mean you have to be bored until spring and summer arrive.

Here are 10 activities to help you beat cabin fever:

 

1. Organize your house or de-clutter.

Everyone talks about spring cleaning, but why not get a head start and begin de-cluttering this season.

While snow is falling outside, you have all the time in the world to go through each room, pick out the items you want to get rid of and then put them in a box to donate or sell.

Consider asking yourself what Japanese professional organizer Marie Konda encourages, “Does this bring you joy?” If the items don’t bring you joy, maybe it’s time to give them to someone else who can benefit from them.

If you don’t have a lot of clutter and simply need to organize, it’s the perfect time to do that, as well. Need some ideas for organization? There are endless ideas online on places such as Pinterest.

If you get done now, you’ll have more time to spend outdoors once the weather improves.

Don’t feel like organizing? Just try rearranging the furniture. It will bring a whole new feel to the room.

 

2. Read a new book.

Did you make it a goal to read more this year? Now’s the opportunity to fulfill that resolution.

Pick up a new book at Albert Lea Public Library or borrow one from a friend and then sit back, relax and let yourself be taken away into another world.

If you prefer to read a book on your tablet or phone, download the OverDrive and Libby apps. From there, you can search for Albert Lea Public Library and connect to other libraries in the Southeastern Libraries Cooperating system to find your book. Make sure you have your library card handy. You’ll need that to log in.

Not only can books entertain, but you can learn a lot from them, too.

 

3. Plan your summer vacation.

What better time to plan a summer getaway than now when you’re itching to get somewhere warm?

Research all your options, and then book your flight and hotel.

Keep in mind that most places that are warm now will be even hotter when summertime rolls around.

You may not need to plan all the activities you want to do once you get there quite yet, but getting the trip booked is the first step to making it happen.

 

4. Try a new recipe.

Social media and the internet are filled with recipes galore. Take this opportunity when you may have more hours indoors to try one out.

Children, typically, love to cook, so get them involved, too.

Overwhelmed with the choices of recipes online? Now might be the perfect time to pull out that favorite family recipe that’s always a success.

 

5. Complete an indoor home improvement project.

Have a room you need to paint, or want to put in a new kitchen floor? Get the supplies, grab a few helpers and you can get it done quickly — again leaving more time this spring and summer to spend outdoors once the snow is gone.

 

6. Host a game night with friends or family.

Break out classics like Monopoly or Scattergories and invite some friends or family over for an evening of board games. Don’t like board games? Try for an evening of card games. The possibilities are endless.

 

7. Catch up on your favorite shows or movies you’ve been meaning to watch.

Take advantage of the extra time on your hands and give yourself permission to enjoy a marathon of your favorite shows or movies. It’s likely not often you can do this, so soak it up while you can.

 

8. Plan your garden.

While you are cooped up indoors wishing it was spring, get a head start on planning out what you would like to have in this summer’s garden. Sketch out where the plants will go and what space you will need for each type.

Though you likely won’t be able to do any outdoor planting for about three months, you could get things organized to start your seeds indoors — just make sure not to start them too early. Mid April is usually a good time to start seedlings.

Have questions? The Albert Lea Seedhouse posts its garden seed catalog online that provides a plethora of information.

 

9. Go to a local hotel for an overnight stay and pool party with your children or grandchildren.

Want to have a mini vacation with your children but don’t want to drive far? Consider staying overnight at one of the area hotels that offers a pool, and your children will think you’re the best parent ever.

The pools are usually open most of the day, so you can swim awhile, grab a bite to eat and go back later if you’d like.

 

10. Get outdoors.

While there are many who don’t enjoy being outdoors in winter, there are many others who are actually quite the opposite.

If you’re one of those people, take advantage of all the outdoor opportunities available at this time of the year, including building a snowman or snow fort, cross country skiing, snowmobiling, playing hockey and ice skating.

Myre-Big Island State Park offers 1 1/2 miles of winter hiking trails, 7 miles of snowmobile trails and snowshoeing throughout the park, except on the 5 miles of cross country skiing trails. Park-goers who don’t have their own snowshoes can rent them at the park office for $6 a day.

And don’t forget about good, old-fashioned snowball fights. You can never be too old for those.