This is my first Michigan winter, and please allow me to take this opportunity to applaud you all for making it through winter after winter out here in the midwest. As a Grand Rapids transplant, I have faced many challenges including driving in the snow, finding the right winter boot, and most importantly, battling cabin fever. As a bonafide city girl, it is unnatural for me to be cooped up inside and I can only imagine what you all must deal with on a yearly basis. So here are a few ideas for those of you who are also battling what may be some intense cabin fever.
Focus on your couple relationship – If you are feeling a little nuts from cabin fever, odds are, your partner is as well. If your partner loves surprises, it might be a nice idea to plan a date night. After the kids are laid down for the night, surprise your partner with a home cooked meal, their favorite finger food snacks, or even a special sweet treat! Select a movie that you know your partner will enjoy and get ready for some quality cuddle time on the couch. I am sure you will receive some much needed appreciation.
Put the alcohol down – Even the best relationships can suffer from an alcohol driven argument. If you find you are bickering with your partner more so now that you are stuck inside, you need to make sure that you do all you can to avoid this particular relationship pitfall. You have been cooped up with this person for months and maybe you need to remind yourself that you have chosen to spend the rest of your life with them. Put the cork back in that bottle of wine, and sit yourself down to make a list of all the things you love about your partner. You will be feeling rosy and amorous in no time flat.
Keep the kiddies busy – In the days of the internet, creative ideas are merely a google away. Maybe your kids like crafts, or sports, or just generally being active. After bedtime tonight, take some time and get those ideas for the next day you find yourself snowed in. Find a fun craft for the kids to participate in, make a playlist for a family dance off, or maybe even map out an indoor obstacle course to help get the wiggles out. Your kids will thank you for the change in routine, as will your partner.
Plan your next family trip – To beat the winter doldrums, a fun project that gives you and your family something to look forward to can be just the ticket. Maybe you want to visit the grandparents, or take the kids to Disney World for the first time, either way, you will need to get to planning! Start checking out local websites for travel agents and get some ideas. Once you get into the traveling spirit, even a day trip to a local theme park can become exciting.
Whatever you end up deciding to do to beat the winter doldrums, taking action is the first step. Get your household think tank going and combine forces with your family members. Their ideas will be valuable, and they will most likely be impressed that you, as the head of the household, value their opinions. These cabin fever coping skills may not only liven up your winter, but could also improve your family relationships!
Focus on your couple relationship – If you are feeling a little nuts from cabin fever, odds are, your partner is as well. If your partner loves surprises, it might be a nice idea to plan a date night. After the kids are laid down for the night, surprise your partner with a home cooked meal, their favorite finger food snacks, or even a special sweet treat! Select a movie that you know your partner will enjoy and get ready for some quality cuddle time on the couch. I am sure you will receive some much needed appreciation.
Put the alcohol down – Even the best relationships can suffer from an alcohol driven argument. If you find you are bickering with your partner more so now that you are stuck inside, you need to make sure that you do all you can to avoid this particular relationship pitfall. You have been cooped up with this person for months and maybe you need to remind yourself that you have chosen to spend the rest of your life with them. Put the cork back in that bottle of wine, and sit yourself down to make a list of all the things you love about your partner. You will be feeling rosy and amorous in no time flat.
Keep the kiddies busy – In the days of the internet, creative ideas are merely a google away. Maybe your kids like crafts, or sports, or just generally being active. After bedtime tonight, take some time and get those ideas for the next day you find yourself snowed in. Find a fun craft for the kids to participate in, make a playlist for a family dance off, or maybe even map out an indoor obstacle course to help get the wiggles out. Your kids will thank you for the change in routine, as will your partner.
Plan your next family trip – To beat the winter doldrums, a fun project that gives you and your family something to look forward to can be just the ticket. Maybe you want to visit the grandparents, or take the kids to Disney World for the first time, either way, you will need to get to planning! Start checking out local websites for travel agents and get some ideas. Once you get into the traveling spirit, even a day trip to a local theme park can become exciting.
Whatever you end up deciding to do to beat the winter doldrums, taking action is the first step. Get your household think tank going and combine forces with your family members. Their ideas will be valuable, and they will most likely be impressed that you, as the head of the household, value their opinions. These cabin fever coping skills may not only liven up your winter, but could also improve your family relationships!