Most of the country is knee deep in snow and ice of the mid-winter blues. Going out is like having a root canal, a very painful experience. You’d rather pass, thank you very much.

You’re hibernating. I get it. Ok, since I live in central Florida, I don’t suppose I totally get it. But, hang with me here. This is for your own good. You can only watch reruns of NCIS a billion times before your brain turns to slush and your TV explodes.

So, what are you to do? Wouldn’t you just love to usher in the springtime having had a very productive hibernation? I’m sure you would. Who wouldn’t? In order to stop and smell the roses in April, you have to hibernate wisely today. Here are some things you can do to help: 

Get organized. Yes, I really mean tackle the fourteen stacks of paper on your home office desk. You didn’t think I knew, did you?

Reflect. You just ended a year not long ago. Think back at what went well and what didn’t. Reminding yourself of those things will go a long way toward helping you achieve the goals you set for 2013. You did set goals, didn’t you?

Brainstorm. What better time is there to brainstorm than when you’re curled up in front of the fireplace with a fleece blankie and a cup of hot cocoa?

Set goals. You won’t always be snowed in. Umm… well, unless you live at the North Pole, so Santa, please disregard what I just wrote. For the rest of you, if you set clear cut goals now, you’ll be ready to rock and roll at the spring thaw.

Read. Read. Read. Nothing feeds a writer’s soul more than falling in love with a book written by one of their favorite authors. It will inspire you to create your own!

Sitting cooped up in the house all winter can leave even the most optimistic person to have the blues. Since you’re not a bear and can’t sleep through the entire hibernation season, you’ll have to figure out a better way to beat the winter blues. Hibernate wisely and you’ll see the season pass quickly and you’ll have a much better year. I promise.

What are you doing during your hibernation season? How’s that working for ya? Share it here!