COPING WITH CABIN FEVER

The long months of winter have just started to set in and the brutal cold has many of us (see also: me!) bunkered into the warmth of our homes.  While this definitely has its perks, it also poses a few challenges, namely, cabin fever. I personally go a little bit crazy after I’ve been sitting around the house for too long and my young children go even crazier.  

Here are a few ideas that have personally helped us combat the dreaded cabin fever:

1. LET IN SOME NATURE LIGHT:  It legitimately surprises me how much my mood changes when I open up my windows and let the light pour in. I know that the light can be minimal in the winter months, but for us, even just a little bit brightens all of our spirits and helps us stay in positive moods.  
   
   
2. LIGHT A CANDLE:  Again, this sounds like such a small thing, BUT I am always in a better mood when I have some candles lit. I specifically save some of my favorite cozy scents from Candelles to burn and give me a boost when I’m starting to feel trapped in my own home! If you’re feeling stir crazy, I highly suggest this method for bringing things back to reality.
   
   
   
   
3. KEEP A BUSY ITEMS BASKET: In our house, I’ve put aside a basket of toys that I only pull out in desperation. I have chosen some of our most engaging items (think play-doh, large blocks, a make your own fort kit, some new books, a sensory bin, etc.) and have them in a bin in our closet to pull out when we’re having a hard time being stuck indoors. And for the very same reason, I have a special coloring book, nice colored pencils and a couple of new book options for me!
   
   
4. GET OUT OF THE HOUSE WHEN POSSIBLE: I know, I know, easier said than done. I totally get that this one can seem daunting and even comical at times. I’ve got a five year old girl and a 20 month old toddler running around my home, so getting out can seem impossible. However, we’ve invested in memberships to our local children’s museum and the local zoo and aquarium, and those adventures can be genuinely life saving when we are all dealing with cabin fever. And if the kids are at school or daycare, head to the local coffee shop alone to treat yourself to some coffee or tea. Works like a charm for me!
   
   
5. EMBRACE CREATIVITY: Just like our bin of engaging toys and activities, we have a similar bin full of art supplies! I am fully stocked on coloring books, crayons, markers, oil pastels, collage supplies, paints, scissors, stickers galore, etc! I enjoy drawing and painting on my own time when I have the time, but the kids get especially excited when they see the “special” art supplies make their appearance. It’s a fun family activity and we keep supplies for the toddler, the preschooler, and the adults to make sure that there’s something for everyone to join in!
   
   
6. IF ALL ELSE FAILS, HAVE A DANCE PARTY:  The kids absolutely LOVE dancing and I am not ashamed to say that I’ve even blasted music and had a dance party when I’m all by myself. Laugh at me if you want, but instead, I'd recommend you try it. No only is it fun, but it'll get your heart racing and instantly boost your mood!