Combating Cabin Fever
By Sherril Steele-Carlin
What's cabin fever? If you've been cooped up at home during bad weather until you think you can't take it any more, then you already know the answer to that question. If you have kids, the problems may just be multiplied. Before you throw in the towel, here are some ways to get energized when you can't get out and about!
Board Games
Remember those? The things families used to play together and enjoy? It's time to drag out the board games and get the entire family involved in a great game of Monopoly, Life, or Chutes and Ladders. Or, you can click on the link below and create your own board game! If board games aren't your thing, try dominoes, or card games. Cribbage is a great game for all ages, and it teaches younger children math skills, too.
Cook up a Storm
What better time to whip up a hearty soup or stew than when you're snowed in? You can create your own warm, filling soups out of just about anything. Once you're done with dinner, gather the kids together to bake cookies. It will be a fun time for everyone, and you can fill your freezer with some goodies, too.
Curl up with a Good Book
In our hectic lives, we often don't have time to sit and read like we used to. If you're stuck at home, there's no better time to catch up on your reading. Make a hot cup of tea or coffee, light a warm, crackling fire, and curl up under a throw with a good book. You'll be surprised how quickly the time will pass, and reading is one of the most enjoyable ways to spend an afternoon.
Hobbies and Crafts
Now's the time to break out that craft kit you've been meaning to try! Gather the kids and teach them how to embroider, sew, quilt, or knit. Or, look for fun crafts you can make from items you have on hand, like the crafts linked below. This is a great time to bring the family together and have fun doing things that you normally don't have time for, so be creative, and create some crafts while you can! Now would be a good time to teach your kids about the science of snow, too. Check the link below for some fascinating snow facts.
Exercise
If you can't get outside to exercise, bring your routine indoors. Try some yoga or tai chi, or strap on some snowshoes and see how far you can get in your own neighborhood. It's a good idea to keep as active as you can during the winter months, so don't let the weather keep you entirely indoors!
So, when the winds howl, and the snow drifts, don't despair. There are many things you can do to combat cabin fever. All you need is a little imagination and a sense of adventure and discovery!
