Since it’s been raining cats and dogs here for 3 days straight and I’ve had to cancel all of my outdoorsy plans, I’m getting a bad case of cabin fever. According to Urban Dictionary, cabin fever is “a type of hysteria brought on by spending too much time indoors,” but my definition is a feeling of insanity induced by being stuck in the confines of your home.
Here are 5 Ways to Combat Cabin Fever:
#1: Do Some Deep Cleaning
I know, I know. Cleaning’s not at all fun and trust me, if I had the money I’d hire a maid and buy a Roomba too, but unfortunately we all aren’t privied to the finer things in life. I attempt to set cleaning schedules for myself so I don’t get behind on it all but, especially with pets, I have a tendency to find dust bunnies in every crevice of the house and the things I clean magically turn dirty.
A perfect trick to forget you’re stuck in the house is to turn on your favorite jams, get yourself a bucket of hot, soapy water and start scrubbing. I tackled the oven, baseboards, underneath couches, shelves and cabinets and before I knew it 2 hours had flown by and my house was sparkling.
#2: Read a Book
Although I don’t read as much as I used to, I still enjoy sitting down and getting lost in a story. Reading not only expands your imagination and vocabulary, it also teaches you new concepts and perspectives. A good read is like watching an Oscar-winning movie that sucks you in and keeps you on the edge of your seat, all while making you laugh and cry.
One of my favorite books that I’ve come across is The Five Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts by Gary Chapman. It shows you how each person has their own love language and teaches you to speak that language; the key to a healthy, happy relationship.
When you get lost in a book, your mind wanders off into another fantasy dimension without realizing where you really are and before you know it, a couple of hours have flown by.
#3: Play with your Pets
Sometimes we get so wrapped up in our work, maintaining the house and our social lives, that we forget about those little fur babies curled up in the corner. I try and spend as much time as I can with my pup but there are moments I feel like I’m neglecting her because of things I have to do.
Rolling around on the floor playing, giving belly rubs & tossing a ball around is something that can easily be done inside and will make your pet feel loved and help you forget about that cabin fever.
#4: Soak in a Hot Bubble Bath
If you’re familiar with my blog posts, you’ve probably heard me suggest taking a bath as the answer to many things but in all reality, when is taking a bath not the solution? There’s nothing I enjoy more than filling a tub with hot water and bubbles, putting on some music, sipping wine and drifting off into my thoughts by candlelight.
I make a no-technology rule for my baths, as it’s my time to break free from the confines of my phone for an hour or so and just relax until my fingers and toes are unrecognizably pruned up.
#5: Clean Out/Organize Your Closet
Yes, I’m aware I have ‘way too many clothes’ (as my husband puts it) but I just relish in having an outfit for every mood, type of weather and occasion.
Cleaning out and organizing your closet can combat cabin fever because it gives you a project that can practically take all day. Organizing your closet is no small feat; I’ve spent hours upon hours doing it before I moved and I still somehow accumulated a small family’s worth of clothing. Nonetheless, I love getting lost in all of my clothes, figuring out if each piece is still a part of my personal style, seeing what fits (and sadly, what doesn’t), remembering special moments associated with each garment and–my favorite part– color-coordinating.
These are great tips to pass some time when you are stuck at home. I like to craft so for me days like this are often spent at my desk catching up with my scrapbooking or curled up on the sofa with some crochet. x
I wish I was crafty! I would love to scrapbook, bullet journal and knit! I’m sure it’s so soothing and relaxing and definitely a perfect way to pass the time.
These are great ideas! I have been unemployed since I moved back to New Zealand from London and have found myself so bored and restless. Some of my ways to combat cabin fever incude reading a book, cooking, riding my bike (on sunny days), cleaning (I also find it therapeutic!) and write in my blog. When there is nothing to do it’s so easy to go a little mad! Loved your ideas! I will be keeping them in mind! xx
I’m in the same boat as you! Blogging is about the only thing that keeps me from getting so restless. I need to start riding my bike, that’s such a good way to get some fresh air. Those are some great suggestions. Glad you enjoyed, thanks for the comment!