We’ve all heard of SAD – Seasonal Affective Disorder— and by this time of winter we’re all sick of these below freezing temperatures. Like many New Yorkers, skepticism of the groundhog’s prediction that spring is coming soon is strong because of the reoccurring snow storms. But how can you beat those winter blues? Here are some great New York activities that can help you catapult into spring before the temperature rises:

Buy a plant. Just because you’re a city girl and have snow on your fire escape doesn’t mean you can’t have a green thumb and take care of a beautiful plant, like an orchid. Not only will a plant help bring your home to life, but it will help you bring the warm outdoors, indoors during these brutally cold months. Did you know that plant-filled rooms contain 50% – 60% fewer airborne molds and bacteria than rooms without plants? Whole Foods stores all over the city have stunning, healthy orchids starting around $25.

Pretend it’s spring with a night of Cuban food and dancing at Son Cubano. You may not be able to afford a trip to the Caribbean, but spend a night working up a sweat in Havana! Put on your favorite strappy sandals and take a cab to Son Cubano in the Meatpacking District on Saturday nights from 7:30-10:30pm where there is a live band playing beats that will make you lose track of time.

Check out the indoor exhibits at the New York Botanical Gardens. Just a short Metro North ride away to the Bronx, the New York Botanical Gardens has indoor exhibits that can be just what you need to spring you into spring. Running until February 27th, the Caribbean Garden Show can help you beat the cold and take in all the flora of the tropics. The Orchid Show, running March 5- April 25, will leave you dazzled with a display of more than 5,000 exotic orchids. For ticket and visitor information go to www.nybg.org.

Bronzer, Bronzer Bronzer! Self-tanning formulas and bronzers can help kick that pasty white hue without the damage of tanning beds (or the expensive tanning tax!). One the things many women hate about the winter is what it does to their skin and how pale they become. Get a facial to prime your skin and use that self-tanner and bronzer to get the sun-kissed summer look you’re yearning for. For a customized air-brushed look, try the west side’s Sundara Airbrush Tanning for the best airbrush tan in town! For the do it yourself gals, Laura Mercier offers multiple tones and finishes of self-tanners and bronzers to match all skin tones.

Read a book in the sun. You may not be taking in your favorite novel on a white sandy beach, but bundle up, pack some hot chocolate and hit a local park bench with a magazine or book. Exposing yourself to some healthy vitamin D might really help boost your spirits. If you’re lucky enough to have sun exposure through the windows of your apartment, park yourself in direct sunlight in the comfort of your own apartment and bask in it.

Start that spring cleaning early. Why not move that furniture and get the dust out of your home before the snow melts outside? This way once those coveted spring Saturdays finally arrive, you can be in Central Park enjoying them instead of cleaning those winter dust bunnies from under your bed! Also, because you’ll most likely work up a sweat while cleaning, open those windows to air out your apartment without freezing.