Even though it's technically spring now, it still feels like the longest winter known to man, which is why it can be hard to commit to any activities that don't involve repeatedly hitting the 'continue watching' button on Netflix.
But there is an alternative that balances the comfortable laziness of telly-watching with the sense of achievement of Actually Doing Things - video games.
If you don't know much about gaming you could be forgiven for thinking that it's all about testosterone-fuelled zombie shooting or hundreds of hours spent alone shouting at fake dragons. But there are so many different types of games out there that if you think that gaming isn't for you, you're probably wrong. You don't even need a console - loads of great titles are available on mobile or tablet, and you can install a program called Steam to buy and play thousands of games from the comfort of your own computer. Just make sure you check the game's system requirements before you buy something that your computer might not be able to handle.
But where to start? Well it all depends on what you're looking for. Here are nine great games for people that don't play games.
If you want to take control of a story...
Telltale Games (available on computer, consoles and mobile)
If it pains you to sit by and watch your favourite TV characters make terrible decisions, Telltale's games are for you. They build on popular franchises like Game of Thrones and The Walking Dead and allow your decisions to affect the stories. Now you're responsible for all those horrible deaths. Enjoy!
If you want a hit of nostalgia...
The Sims (available on computer, but there are some (more limited) versions on mobile too)
Every so often I remember that The Sims exists and it fills me with joy. You never really outgrow the guilty thrill of trapping people in a room and setting fire to it, but now you're older you can also use the game to live out your wildest fantasies like having a well-paid job and getting a good night's sleep.
If you want a challenge...
Don't Starve (available on computer and consoles)
If you fancy being thrown into an unknown world with no instructions apart from the title - Don't Starve - this is the game for you. Explore, find items, fight monsters, build a base... Basically your goal is not to die, otherwise you'll have to completely start over. It can be frustrating, but in a horribly addictive "god-is-that-the-time?" kind of way.
If you want to play with friends...
The Jackbox Party Pack(available on computer and consoles)
Trying to coordinate a group gaming session can be the worst. There are never enough controllers, everyone disagrees on what to play, and that friend you thought you trusted turns out to have really dirty Mario Kart tactics. The Jackbox Party Pack contains a bunch of different party games and uses the players' own phones and tablets. Genius.
If you want to connect...
Life is Strange (available on computer and consoles)
As weird as it sounds, games can sometimes give you really strong feelings towards their characters, and living their lives can give you some pretty good food for thought. In Life is Strange you play a photography student who learns she can rewind time, and your actions in-game determine what path the story takes. Prepare for some attachment issues.
If you want escapism...
Stardew Valley(available on computer)
Okay, I wouldn't blame you for finding the idea of a 'farm simulator' completely lame, but hear me out. In Stardew Valley you play an adorable customisable pixel character who's escaped their boring corporate job for a life in the fields. You can spend many a relaxing hour farming your land, exploring the your new home and befriending the townspeople.
If you really, really want escapism...
Goat Simulator (available on computer, mobile and consoles)
Is even the idea of being a human a little too much for you? I'm delighted to tell you that Goat Simulator is a thing that actually exists, and it's exactly what it sounds like. It turns out that it's impossible to be concerned about People Stuff whilst running around, head-butting things and accidentally getting run over.
If you want to learn something...
Never Alone (available on computer, mobile and consoles)
Never Alone is not only an adorable game about the adventures of an Inuit girl and her artic fox, it's also educational. As you progress, you unlock sections of a documentary-style film about the Alaskan tribe that inspired the game. It's definitely productive if you're learning something, right?
If you don't have much free time...
Lifeline (available on mobile)
Not all games require long stints of solid playtime. Lifeline is a mobile game that lets you message a fictional astronaut, helping to decide their fate. Messages come through to your phone like texts in real-time, so you can get on with your life while waiting for your new friend to explore an ominous crater or wake up from a nap.
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This article originally appeared on The Debrief.