Dear Cabin Fever – I admit, you are real. You are not like Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy, the Easter Bunny, unicorns…or other mythical concepts like multiple kids napping at the same time or spouses who agree exactly on how laundry items should be folded (I’m looking at you, bath towels). No sir, you are as real as my need for coffee every morning. If you live in Minnesota (or likely anywhere on planet Earth) in the middle of winter, you are likely suffering cabin fever due to it being frigid cold, that your kids are sick, or you are scared of your kids getting sick from the flu season that is never ending.
Personally, I’m in my own spiral of cabin fever these days. I’m going on many days of cancelled plans and re-watching our new favorite movie for the four…thousandth time. There is a box of tissue perpetually empty due to how much snot is running out of all the noses in this house. TMI? Probably.
Can you relate to any of this? If so, read on. If not, please enjoy your day and tell me all about it.
Back to you gals with the cabin fever…I put together some ideas to help us break from our usual routine and add a little spark to our day. The usual monotony of the day can get us down when we’re stuck inside – so here are a few ideas to change things up!
- Go for a walk – I can actually hear your eyes hitting the top of your skull as you roll them – but getting fresh air in your lungs makes a difference. And let it be known that I’m one of the last people who wants to admit that. But a 10 to 15-minute walk outside can brighten your day (only if it’s not well below zero!).
- Do a face mask. Between the gifts for my birthday and Christmas, I basically have started a face mask collection. They are easy, inexpensive, and take no time to apply – and supposedly hydrate your skin. Note: I have not done a face mask around my kids yet – I’m a little worried they’ll be terrified of mommy with a green face.
- Make a special drink. I’m usually a water or coffee drinker all day – so switch it up and make a special drink with sparkling water with a splash of juice. My favorite is using this lemonade mixed with sparkling water. You.Will.Love.It!!!
- Drive-thru Starbucks. Bundle those kids up and hit the road to get a special coffee.
- Listen to a podcast. There are so many podcast options available for any topic that interests you. My favorite thing to do is to play a podcast while I’m washing dishes or making dinner.
- Build an obstacle course for your kids. I just recently started building obstacle courses for my three-year old to help burn off some of his bottomless energy – and it can be pretty hilarious to watch him race through the course.
- Try a new recipe, or at least look through your cookbooks and flag the recipes that sound yummy and different than the usual suspects on your meal rotation (hello pizza/macaroni/tacos).
- Plan a date night with your spouse for after the kids go to bed – make some brownies and throw on a scoop of ice cream.
- Rearrange a room – I’ll preface this with saying that I am no expert at decorating! But it can be fun to try new layouts.
What do you like to do when cabin fever strikes? Do you have any ideas to add to the list? I will be cycling through these on repeat until Spring hits!
