In our part of the world, February and March can feel like the longest months of the year. The snow has lost its charm. We’re ready to feel the sun on our faces. And we can’t wait to see things growing again.
When you add social distancing to the mix, the nights can sometimes feel even longer and colder than usual. (At least we’re not alone: it seems like just about everybody is hitting a pandemic wall right about now.)
Yes, we know spring will come, just like it always does. And as the vaccine rollout continues, we know that better, brighter days are on the horizon.
But...in the meantime? We still have a few weeks to go before it even starts to feel like Spring around here. So if you’re looking for a pick-me-up during these last few days of winter, here are 6 tried-and-true cures for cabin fever.
- Pamper yourself. Sometimes you’ve gotta work from the outside in. A new haircut or skincare routine can help knock you out of a funk. (We’ve got lots of inspiration if you’re looking for ways to shake up your grooming game.)
- Plan an outing. Trips are complicated right now because of all the limitations and restrictions associated with the pandemic. But you can still make a plan to get away from your ordinary surroundings, even if it’s just going for a walk in a park you’ve never visited, or making a point to stroll through an unfamiliar neighborhood. (Bonus points if you can put the outing on your calendar. It helps to have something to look forward to.)
- Get your game on. Sometimes a healthy distraction is enough to do the trick. The right puzzle or game can help you step away from the TV, use a different part of your brain, and give you a new way to interact with roommates, family members, or friends. (We’ve got a great selection of vintage-style puzzles to get you started.)
- Volunteer. A lot of people need a little extra help right now. Volunteering can help you feel grateful, useful, and occupied while providing essential services to your community.
- Check in with your neighbors. This is sort of like volunteering, but on a hyper-local scale. There are a lot of ways to stay connected to your neighbors while still observing social distancing guidelines. If your neighbors are elderly, you might be able to assist with errands.
- Make a gratitude list. Try this experiment: every day for the next week, write down a list of 10 things you’re grateful for. We can almost guarantee that this simple exercise will help shift your focus and brighten your outlook. (It’s remarkable what happens when we focus on what’s present rather than what’s absent -- on what we have rather than what we don’t.)
Those are just a few ideas. We’d love to hear what you’re doing to stay sane during these final weeks of winter.
And remember: Daylight Savings Time is just around the corner, and the Spring equinox is only 15 days away. (Here in Kingston, our temperatures might not be Spring-like until April. But that extra hour of light in the evening is always a sign of better things to come.)
Whatever you do, stay safe. Stay connected. And stay hopeful. Warmer days are on the way.
Andrew + Clark
Missed our last //blog about the story behind Upstate & Chill? Check it out here.
