The calendar has flipped over to February, it’s easy to feel the winter blues.

The initial spark of New Year’s resolutions can fizzle out, the days are still short and gray, and the holiday season feels like a distant memory. February has a way of throwing us into what feels like a waiting room for spring.

I remember joking with my buddies, Paul Preddy and Michael LeCompte, that we would get so bored with TV in February that the highlight of the month was watching people weigh fish on ESPN. Of course, this was before the Chiefs began making annual trips to the Super Bowl.

But don’t despair! There are ways to fight off the February doldrums and make it to March 1st and the opening of Roaring River State Park with your sanity intact.

1. Embrace the slower pace of February One of the best ways to navigate February’s chill is to lean into the slower pace of the season. Winter is the natural time for rest and reflection. You can use it as an opportunity to indulge in some much-needed downtime. Whether it’s enjoying a quiet cup of coffee or reading that book you’ve been meaning to start, this is an opportunity to slow down and let yourself recharge. It’s easy to get caught up in the rush of life, but this is a season where you can practice the art of being present.

2. Set small, manageable goals By February, those ambitious New Year’s goals may feel distant or unrealistic. Instead of trying to overhaul your life in one fell swoop, consider focusing on small, manageable tasks that can keep you moving forward. Maybe it’s organizing a drawer, starting a new hobby, or committing to a weekly walk. These little wins not only give you a sense of accomplishment but also help shift your focus away from the winter blues.

3. Find the outdoors and light, wherever you can With less daylight during these months, it’s easy to feel like the world is stuck in perpetual darkness. To combat this, make it a priority to find light wherever you can. Sunlight is the best source of vitamin D, which is important for our health. Try to spend time outdoors during the brighter parts of the day, even if it’s just a quick walk on the Aquatic Park trailers or hiking at Roaring River State Park. The more light you invite into your environment, the brighter your mood may feel.

4. Plan an outing If the cold, gray days of February are getting you down, why not plan a mini escape? This doesn’t have to be a big vacation — sometimes just scheduling a day trip to a nearby town can do wonders for your mood. We are so fortunate to have venues, such as Big Cedar Lodge and Crystal Bridges Museum, which are less than an hour away. My grandmother Gowen used to say, “You always need something to look forward to in life.” This anticipation can help break up the monotony and bring a little burst of excitement. And, Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. It can be a great way to make the month fun and meaningful.

5. Connect with others When you’re feeling stuck in a winter slump, reaching out to friends or family can be impactful. Even though it may feel tempting to hibernate, human connection is essential for lifting your spirits. There are so many opportunities for connection. Whether it’s a church event, attending school activities such as basketball games, wrestling matches, band and choir concerts, speech and debate tournaments; these opportunities to connect can be so much fun. Socializing, even in small ways, helps break up the isolation that often comes with the winter months. Plus, it can be a reminder that spring (and warmer weather) is just around the corner.

February doesn’t have to be the longest month of the year; it can be a chance to slow down, recharge, and practice a bit of self-compassion. So, when the winter doldrums start to settle in, remember that spring isn’t that far off after all. Before you know it, the yard will need to be mowed and the crab grass will soon be invading your beloved flower garden. There will always be something that demands our time and attention.

Here’s to a fun February!

Jon Horner is a local community bank president, published author, newspaper columnist, and motivational speaker. He can be reached at jonhorner77@gmail.com