(ARA) – With record-breaking snowfall occurring in many parts of the country, Americans can’t be blamed for already fantasizing about spring. But reality will set in when the flakes start flying again; the truth is, many areas have a lot of winter left to get through before warm weather arrives.

So in the spirit of helping you warm up to dealing with winter weather, here are some tips for making your snow removal tasks easier – and possibly even more enjoyable:

* Start by playing it safe. Straining your back or catching a cold while engaging in snow removal can leave you miserable. Before you set foot outside, make sure you have a proper snow shovel. Never use a garden spade or regular shovel to try to move snow; you’ll only make the job harder. Remember to lift with your knees, avoid making twisting motions with your back, and push snow, rather than lift it, whenever possible.

* Don’t go it alone. While the chore of keeping walkways and driveways clean traditionally falls on fathers, there’s no reason the whole family can’t help out. Once snow has stopped falling, bundle the whole family up (appropriate attire is essential) and get them outside. Adults and older teens can handle the heavier shoveling tasks, while young children can help by sweeping light snow with brooms and spreading salt and sand.

* Turn it into a sport by using your sport utility vehicle to plow. Plowing is the fastest, easiest way to clear your driveway, but until now you may have relied on professionals to do it for you – or skipped it altogether because of the expense and inconvenience of waiting for the plow guy to show up. Some snow plow manufacturers are now making products that will work on most light pickups and SUVs, like the SnowSport HD by Agri-Cover. With no electrical or hydraulic moving parts, it’s easy to install and use, reasonably priced, and allows you to quickly and easily move snow from the comfort of your own vehicle. Learn more at MySnowSport.com.

* Take frequent breaks. You might be tempted to just push through and get the job done as quickly as possible, but doing so might mean risking injury or exhaustion. It’s important to give your body a rest. Snow removal works not only the muscles in your back, arms and legs, but bright sunlight reflected on snow can strain your eyes as well. So work for awhile, then take a 10 or 15-minute break. Drink a hot chocolate, check on the game, poke the fire, and take the time to relax before heading back out into the cold.

* Admit defeat – at least until the snow really stops for a while. You might think that you’re reducing your workload later by shoveling while it’s still snowing, but you’re really just making more work for yourself. Wait until the snowstorm is over before you even think about snow removal. And allow yourself some time to enjoy the snow – whether you sip a cup of coffee at the kitchen table while enjoying how fresh and pristine everything looks under snow, or build a snowman with the kids.

Winter weather will be around for a while longer, but with some caution, the right tools and a sense of fun, you can get through it – and ensure your driveway and sidewalks are safe.