Calming Cabin Fever with Creativity….

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If you are anything like I am you are sick to death of the cold weather and you spend each night before going to sleep praying that you might, just by some major fluke of fate, wake up in a warmer climate…. But if you are like me, you probably wake up each morning in the same bed, only to look out the same window and see the same pile of snow that has been making you sick.

I, personally spend much of the winter months in hibernation, but come the early months leading up to spring I often find that cabin fever is kicking in and I am going a bit loopy. Blogging is a good way to pass the time in the winter months while you await the arrival of spring, but even the most futile of writers can often get bored with constantly creating clever posts, and so I am presenting you with some other options for staying active and fighting off insanity during the chilly weather.

Things to do when it is cold outside;

If you are lucky enough to have children (and I say lucky with all honesty in this case) you will find that it is often easier to find personal entertainment when you are bordering on hysteria from lack of mental/physical stimulation. One of the best ways to pass time and ward of frustration is through laughter, so gather up the little ones and spend some time being silly;

  • Tune up the music and have a family dance party, or cleaning party if you want to be productive. You can even set up small tasks and see who can complete them in the fastest time.
  • Play a game of hide and seek, or have a mini in-house scavenger hunt.
  • Create silly stories, pause and allow your child to continue the story, this is a great way to encourage both you and your child to use imagination.
  • You can opt to play some board games, read some stories or snuggle up and watch a movie if you are looking for some quieter options.

If you’re not ‘blessed’ with the little ones, they are in school when you find yourself suffering from boredom, or you just don’t feel like playing with them (don’t worry we won’t judge!) Here are a few options you can consider to amuse yourself when your all alone;

  • Cooking is a good way to get your creativity flowing. Pull out the recipe books your mother gave you, dust them off and give a new meal a try. (you can also include the kids in this one if you so desire) Trying a new recipe will help to pass the time, and you can benefit from a meal when your finished.
  • Exercise is a natural mood enhancer. If you are not the type to step into a gym, you can pop in a video at home, or even dance around the house to get in your workout. It is more about getting your heart pumping and your muscles working to increase your happiness than it is about weight loss, even the most routine house chores can be made fun with a little music and imagination.
  • Watch a movie that no one else wants to see. If your like me you have a list of movies you want to watch but would not feel right forcing your hubby to sit through them, take some time alone to pop in a sappy chick flick or an old classic that you love. Pop some popcorn and snuggle down in silence.
  • Bubble baths are a sure-fire way to relax and warm up on a cold day. Purchase some pretty smelling suds and hanker down with a good book. You can even buy bath pillows (available at most dollar stores) that will ensure you are comfortable while you soak.
  • Pamper yourself. If you can get out of the house or can’t afford a trip to the spa you can still pamper yourself with a home-style spa treatment. Most drugstores sell facial kits, masks, and other spa treatments at affordable prices. Purchase a few and save them for a chilly day. Treat yourself to a pedicure, manicure, and even a special spa inspired lunch to make the experience completely relaxing.

These are just a few ideas to quickly calm cabin fever when you are stuck in the house. If you have the luxury of getting out and about there are even more options available to you. During the colder months there are also great activities you can enjoy outdoors, or entertaining places to visit indoors, still keeping you warm;

  • Visit the salon. Spring is the season of change, many of us are feeling down and out during the start of spring when we long for the cold weather to subside. Getting a quick cut, color, or style can easily and effectively lift your spirits. Look for coupons or discounts that will save you money, or consider visiting a hair styling school where the students will cut your hair (under the supervision of a certified teacher) at a hugely discounted rate.
  • Browse the local flea market or thrift stores. Most women love shopping, and if you are anything like me retail therapy is the most effective treatment for moodiness. Checking out your local flea market, thrift store, or even discount warehouse is a great way to save money while finding fantastic items.
  • Enjoy a day out with the girls. Gather up some girlfriends and visit a local art gallery, meet-up for coffee, or enjoy a quick-lunch. Spending time with friends will help to lighten your mood and ward off frustration brought on by being cooped up in the house. (If you have ‘very little ones’ you might choose to host a ‘play date, perhaps taking turns once or twice a month visiting each others homes, and sharing a quick snack while the kids play)
  • Look for a club, group, or event in your area. You might wish to connect with like-minded people in your area. Groups, clubs, and events are a great way to get out of the house and meet new people. Search your local paper or online for groups in your field of interest. Convention centers are also a good source for interesting outings, often hosting large conventions on different interests at an affordable price, contact them or visit their websites for a list of events that are open to the public.
  • Take a walk. Although it maybe chilly outside, nothing is better for combating the blues than fresh air and sunshine. On a day when the sun in shining, and the chill is bearable, bundle up and take a walk. It doesn’t have to be a marathon, even a quick stroll around the block can be effective enough to refresh you.
  • Visit the local library, or bookstore. Get lost in a land of literature, grab a coffee and browse the endless titles that are available. Many bookstores and libraries have areas for you to sit and read and many actually encourage their shoppers to do so, find one that has a relaxing atmosphere and spend and hour or two enjoying a great book, remember to check out new genres and authors, this will help you to stimulate your mind and expand your horizons.

When all else fails beat the blah feelings by browsing your favorite blogs, get some laughter by seeking out humor writers, and follow along on other people’s personal journey’s.Watch some funny videos on YouTube, or visit a Joke site to put a smile on your face. Cold weather can be a drag, but drag yourself out of a rut by using your creativity and the utilities that are available to you.

Until next time…..

Write On!

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2 thoughts on “Calming Cabin Fever with Creativity….”

  1. Great list of ideas! The summers here can be brutal so we usually welcome the cold. That is until baseball season starts. Since we are finishing up our first week of practices that can go until almost 10 o clock at night, I hope it starts to warm up here soon.

  2. Great list of ideas indeed! I have been spending a lot of time on blogging this winter, but there were times where I got bored. I can sit still and write for hours, but soon as I am finished, boredom kicks in and I start craving for something else to put my mind to. Lucky me, I have a job to go to, so I got out of the house pretty much every day. Providing me with enough stuff to write about. Then again, there are always days that I get bored and there is no work to go to. So on those days, I will stick with this pretty awesome list you made us!

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