The short days and cold nights of winter often mean that we burrow in and spend a lot more time in our homes that we normally would. And usually, at around this time every year, the dreaded cabin fever starts to kick in. Perk up, buster! We've got ways of curing cabin fever … and they're all easier than running away to a sunny Mexican beach with Pedro, your pretend lover.
• Rearrange your furniture The mere act of switching up your surroundings can make your home feel fresh and new. Experiment with different layouts and try to find a new way to fall in love with your space.
• Switch apartments with a friend — You're probably not the only one with cabin fever. Ask a friend to switch apartments with you for a week. You'll both be forced to get out of your daily routines and you'll also get to see how the other half lives!
• Visit folks who are truly housebound — Nursing homes and retirement communities are full of folks who truly cannot leave their homes. Make a house call and cure others' cabin fever.
• Vacation in your hometown — Hotels often offer deep discounts on their rooms during these winter months. Take a weekend to be a tourist in your hometown. Order room service, let the maid make your bed, and pretend you're Paris Hilton for the day.
• Two words: booty shakin' — Nothing lifts the spirits like a dance party. Crank up the tunes and get your booty shakin'! The blood will start pumping, your spirits will lift, and your apartment will start feeling less like a little prison and like Studio 54.
• Make new art — Those four walls may feel like they're closing in on you ... so why not decorate them with new art? Making your own art will not only eat up some time, you'll also get something new to hang on the wall. (This post may help get the creative juices flowing: 10 DIY Wall Art Ideas That Anyone Can Do.)
• Throw a party — You may be tired of your same old surroundings but your friends probably aren't. Invite a few folks over for a party and let their energy transfer to your home.
• Join a gym — One cure for cabin fever is to spend less time in your little cabin. (Nothing like stating the obvious, right?) Join a gym and spend your free time getting fit instead of throwing a fit.
• Join a once-a-week class — Similar to the concept of joining a gym, use your downtime this winter to learn a new skill. Se habla espanol?
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Great tips! -I work from home and am in burrow mode, so these are especially helpful :)
I just moved into a new city (Portland, ME) in October. Good time for getting the apartment the way I want it!
I work from home too. I force myself to get out or I will go insane.
I've purposely designed and curated my home to always feel like getaway so I never have this problem. Feeling like going to the Amazon? No prob, I'll go sit under the rainshower showerhead in a steamy shower surrounded by my plants and glass bead geckos on wall, and colorful glass and travertine tile floor. If I'm feeling extra escapist, I actually have a rainforest sounds mp3.
The kitchen is my caribbean island getaway zone, diningroom is the beach, livingroom is Miami/Cuba/Mexico, bedroom is S.A. safari, and backyard is Bali/ Hawaii. I'm not into meditation, but I guess I practice some sort of escapism (minus the drugs). Sometimes I'll get all into it, and get other people involved, we'll drink Coronas in "Mexico", Mexican food, Mexican music, Red-stripe and Jerk chicken in the kitchen/ diningroom. I NEVER get cabin fever, though I'm a bit of a homebody anyway.
I rearrange my furniture monthly... at least. It's so fun, great way to freshen up your space and makes purging unused items that much easier. We live in a loft so it's not as easy as rearranging one small room, but I love to rearrange! Great exercise, too!
I never could get the idea of a cabin fever... I remember last year, when we got snowed in, I was the only one happy to be shut in my own apt for straight 7 days without leaving it. But then, I did have internet... so maybe that changes everything :)
Being an introvert makes you like long, indoors-oriented winters. I work as a translater and spend most of my days one-on-one with my computer. LOVE IT.
I can't believe nobody said buy a plant or start some seeds!
When I lived in snowy Michigan, it always made me feel great to bundle up and take a brisk walk to class rather than taking the bus. I warmed up after the first 1/4 mile or so and then it felt wonderful to have the cold air on my face and my waterproof boots sunk 6 inches into a snow-covered sidewalk. When the sun was out, it was even better. Now I live in Arizona and miss it so much! I've become for-real acquainted with cabin fever out here because there is nothing you can do to cure 6 months of having to stay inside because it's summer. Except for driving up north, but when your car overheats while climbing the mountains...
It's supposed to be in the high 50's tomorrow; I think winter forgot about Philadelphia this year.
I've just changed my bedroom, buy a couple or plants to get ready for spring and started sewing lessons... I will try other options of this list also !!!
Oh, and going along with my original comment, you can try vacationing in your house. Set your bathroom up with the amenities of a spa, turn your yard into a mini resort. Cook a nice 5 course meal, complete with an amuse bouche.
Rent a foreign film and plan a meal and decorate around the setting. Go to www.livemocha.com and practice speaking the native language. Your mind can be tricked into a cure for cabin fever without actually having to go anywhere.
I tend to start purging cupboards/closets/drawers/etc....
i love the apartment swap idea! never woulda thought of that but it's clever.
Cabin fever? Just embrace it. The average daily temperature in these parts (TX) this January has been about 70 degrees. It's not natural. Soon we'll have another summer of 3 straight months of 110. Talk about cabin fever then!! And no, throwing a dance party in the living room when your a/c can't keep it under 85 degrees is not an option then...
This sounds counter-intuitive, but my best cure for cabin fever is to get out in the winter weather and go walking, hiking, winter camping, or bike riding. Especially early in the morning or during the occasional pretty sunset or sunny day. City streets, hike/bike trails, and favorite rural spots look so different and are so quiet in winter with no green and a blanket of snow! Great for wildlife spotting, being alone with your thoughts, or having a peaceful stroll with a friend.
Plus, when you get home, it makes your house seem much warmer than it would if you just sat at home. :D