If you find yourself yearning for warmer weather and wishing winter away, don’t. There are plenty of winter activities to enjoy when the weather turns cold. Here are a just few ways to keep yourself happy and occupied this season.

1. Take a class
Whether you’ve always wanted to learn a new language, would love to take a cooking course, or want to become more computer literate, why not use the season to learn something new? Sign up for a course or class, and hopefully you’ll be well on your way to learning a new skill by the time summer rolls around.

2. Stay active
The couch may look much more appealing than the gym on a cold day, but don’t let your workout routine fall by the wayside in winter. If you usually exercise outside, consider taking up some indoor activities while the weather’s bad – join a Pilates or yoga class, take up aqua aerobics, or if you’re an Evergreen resident, put the workout area in your village to good use.

3. Organise a regular game
Along with being mentally stimulating, card and board games are a social and enjoyable way to spend a rainy afternoon. So, whether you’re an avid bridge, canasta, scrabble or poker player, organise a regular game with friends. And if you’re an Evergreen resident, the Lifestyle Centre in your village is the perfect place to meet.

4. Try a few winter specials
If you love eating out, it’s definitely worth taking advantage of the specials and promotions many restaurants offer during winter. Do a bit of research online (eatout.co.za offers a list for Gauteng, Durban, Cape Town and the Winelands), write down your favourites and check them off over the next few months. Bon appétit!

5. Work through your reading list
There’s very little more satisfying on an icy winter day than getting stuck into a good book. If you have a list of titles you’ve been meaning to get to, now’s the time to start. Create a comfy reading nook (with cushions, blankets, a side table for coffee and a reading light), settle in and enjoy.