Living in Wisconsin, the snow and cold of January can bring on "cabin fever." It's dark when you go to work and dark when you come home. Unpredictable weather, slippery roads and just the cold might keep you home bound. Here are some of my tips for curing "cabin fever."
1. Plan for January...yes, that's right...plan. December is so busy with programs, parties, Christmas, run, run, run. Embrace January as a rest and family time. Have some "go to ideas" for your family and "cabin fever" will be welcomed.
2. Retro game night. Turn off the electronics. Break out the cards, checkers, Sorry, Monopoly, whatever board game you like and make an event of it.
3. Turn off the T.V., Netflix and read. Find a series, maybe even on CD (go to the library they have many on "tape") and listen each evening for a bit. It will become something you will look forward to.
4. Exercise. I'm not big into "exercise," however, I do farm chores every day; lift bales hay, push wheelbarrows full of poop, sometimes through snow, so I guess I do get exercise. It can be as easy as a push up or sit up competition. "How many times can you....make a game out of it....lift a can of tomato juice (whatever you come up with). Go outside and build a snowman, have a snowball fight, make snow angels, walking in the cold weather is so refreshing!
5. Do something for someone else. Could make cards for the elderly at a nursing home and visit one near you. Pass out the cards randomly, we've done this and they love it. Bake some cookies for a neighbor, family friends or your local public service personnel.
6. Create/Craft/Art. Work on some projects you haven't finished or learn something new. Youtube "how do I..." amazing what you can learn. Invite another over (grandma, aunt, neighbor) that knows how to do something you want to learn and share time with them creating.
7. Plan your garden. I've already received 3 or 4 seed catalogs in the mail. I love dreaming and planning for spring. Order your seeds and get them started indoors.
8. Clean. Yes, clean out your closets, cabinets, cupboards and basement. Working, keeping busy is good. Donate the unused or unwanted items...or, my girls use to have their own rummage sales...yes. They would stage unwanted toys and buy from each other or sell to their friends and cousins. You could mark and have items ready for a family sale in the spring.
9. Call and write - yes, get out the phone and call a friend. In this world of PM and Texts a good ol' fashion call and hearing a voice will lift anyone's spirit. Or, mail a card to a friend - yes, with a stamp and everything! Children love to get cards in the mail. I bet if you networked with other mothers, they would send some back to your children.
10. Mindfulness. Take time to meditate or pray. Making family time for this is a great life skill as well.
Well, I hope some of these ideas will help you and your family. Truthfully, I was born an optimist and "cabin fever" never really hits me. I actually love January, it gives me an excuse not to "have to" do something...LOL.
How do you cure "cabin fever?"
Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.
1. Plan for January...yes, that's right...plan. December is so busy with programs, parties, Christmas, run, run, run. Embrace January as a rest and family time. Have some "go to ideas" for your family and "cabin fever" will be welcomed.
2. Retro game night. Turn off the electronics. Break out the cards, checkers, Sorry, Monopoly, whatever board game you like and make an event of it.
3. Turn off the T.V., Netflix and read. Find a series, maybe even on CD (go to the library they have many on "tape") and listen each evening for a bit. It will become something you will look forward to.
4. Exercise. I'm not big into "exercise," however, I do farm chores every day; lift bales hay, push wheelbarrows full of poop, sometimes through snow, so I guess I do get exercise. It can be as easy as a push up or sit up competition. "How many times can you....make a game out of it....lift a can of tomato juice (whatever you come up with). Go outside and build a snowman, have a snowball fight, make snow angels, walking in the cold weather is so refreshing!
5. Do something for someone else. Could make cards for the elderly at a nursing home and visit one near you. Pass out the cards randomly, we've done this and they love it. Bake some cookies for a neighbor, family friends or your local public service personnel.
6. Create/Craft/Art. Work on some projects you haven't finished or learn something new. Youtube "how do I..." amazing what you can learn. Invite another over (grandma, aunt, neighbor) that knows how to do something you want to learn and share time with them creating.
7. Plan your garden. I've already received 3 or 4 seed catalogs in the mail. I love dreaming and planning for spring. Order your seeds and get them started indoors.
8. Clean. Yes, clean out your closets, cabinets, cupboards and basement. Working, keeping busy is good. Donate the unused or unwanted items...or, my girls use to have their own rummage sales...yes. They would stage unwanted toys and buy from each other or sell to their friends and cousins. You could mark and have items ready for a family sale in the spring.
9. Call and write - yes, get out the phone and call a friend. In this world of PM and Texts a good ol' fashion call and hearing a voice will lift anyone's spirit. Or, mail a card to a friend - yes, with a stamp and everything! Children love to get cards in the mail. I bet if you networked with other mothers, they would send some back to your children.
10. Mindfulness. Take time to meditate or pray. Making family time for this is a great life skill as well.
Well, I hope some of these ideas will help you and your family. Truthfully, I was born an optimist and "cabin fever" never really hits me. I actually love January, it gives me an excuse not to "have to" do something...LOL.
How do you cure "cabin fever?"
Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.
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