As the calendar flipped to January 1, I realized it’s been two months since my last round of golf. The optimistic part of me thought about how I’ve gotten through this dark and cold period relatively well, but the glass-half-empty part started to think about how I’m not even halfway through winter. Depressing stuff.

It’s tough taking a break from your favorite hobby for five MONTHS out of the year. No matter how many years you’ve done it. Yes, there are opportunities to break this up for hardier souls, but like most people living in the Northeast, once my clubs (and balls) go in the basement, they pretty much stay there until spring.

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But in an effort to think a bit more positive—New year, new me, right?—I’ve decided to come up with a list of things golfers can tell themselves to get through this difficult time. Or, at least, try to get through it. So the next time you’re feeling down about a lack of golf, use one of these to cope.

1. “I’ve got so much more room in the trunk!”

Just be careful on those Costco runs. You don’t have to fill up the entire space. Speaking of Costco runs. . .

2. “I’ve got so much more time to run errands!”

Grocery shopping, buying household supplies, getting your oil changed, etc. Fun, fun, fun!

3. “I’ve got so much more time with the kids!”

This can actually be fun, but careful what you wish for. Especially in the winter when there’s not much to do with said kids. 4. “That nagging injury isn’t bothering me anymore!”

Things like golfer’s elbow and blisters finally get a good chance to heal. Man, are we a soft bunch or what?

5. “I don’t have to wake up for early tee times!”

Congrats on that extra 10 minutes of sleep before your kids start jumping on you.

6. “I’m not putting as many miles on the car!”

Congrats on that extra 10 bucks in your pocket each week.

7. “I have more time to work out!”

Who are you kidding? Golf is your only real exercise.

8. “I have more time to find a new hobby!”

Who are you kidding? Golf is your only real hobby.

9. “I’m saving money by not paying green fees!”

Yeah, but that’s always money well spent at least.

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10. “I each much healthier at the house than the halfway house!”

Unless you replace all those snack bar hot dogs with the ones from Costco.

11. “Dry January is much easier with no transfusions at the turn!”

Can’t argue with that one.

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12. “I get to hang out with my non-golf friends!”

Do you even have non-golf friends?

13. “I get to wear more of my non-golf clothes!”

Do you even have non-golf clothes?

14. “I don’t have to do as much laundry!”

Not sure the science backs this one up.

15. “I’ve got a chance to do some speed training!”

All the cool kids are doing it. Just be careful—especially if you’re not a kid anymore. Trust me.

16. “I’ve got a chance to get caught up on household projects!”

There’s a better chance you emerge from the winter with tour-level swing speed.

17. “I don’t have to worry about a bad round spoiling a good day!”

OK, now we’re really stretching it. Hey, we tried, but face it: Winter sucks. Hang in there, everyone.

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This article was originally published on golfdigest.com