Another snow day, with the New Canaan Public Schools closed and bitterly cold winds outside - most of us are once again stuck at home. There's a lot of cabin fever around but it doesn't have to stay that way!
Our latest New Canaan HamletHub contributor is Dr Leonaura Rhodes, Health and Happiness Coach, Author, Physician, Neuroscience Expert, speaker and seminar leader. She uses powerful coaching techniques and medical knowledge to help individuals and families transform their lives with research based programs designed to improve health, happiness and success. Dr Rhodes says: "I'd like to be one of the first to congratulate New Canaan HamletHub on its launch, and to thank Rachel Lampen for all her hard work on behalf of the community. I am looking forward to being part of the team, bringing positivity to New Canaan and writing relevant, interesting articles on health and well-being."
So what is cabin fever?
Cabin fever is a term for the irritability and restlessness felt by people confined in a space. It arises from a feeling that you can't escape and have the freedom you are used to. Following are nine ideas for reducing cabin fever:
Plan your time: Write a list of creative, useful, fun or entertaining things you could get done. It maybe a good time to paint a picture, clear that enormous pile of paperwork, read a book, watch a movie with the kids, or catch up with an old friend on the phone. Planning activities and then checking them off, when you have done them creates a sense of purpose, that prevents cabin fever.
Exercise: Unless you are literally stuck in a closet, you can always exercise. Put on some music and dance, run up and down the stairs or get on that exercise bike that has been gathering dust. Exercise releases endorphins and is a great stress reliever.
Meditate. Meditation is good for body and mind. Most people use the excuse they don't have time: well now you do! There are many free resources on-line for learning to meditate. You can sign up to my free 14-day program by clicking here
Feed your body and mind with healthy, nutritious food, and keep hydrated. The warm dry air of a winter home is very dehydrating. Take a long, hot bath or throw a pamper party. Raid the fridge and invent a new culinary creation with what's inside. Ask your children to help.
Think positively: reflect or journal on the good things such as "I am grateful for", "something that made me happy", "something went wrong, but I learned to..."
Make someone else happy: This produces happy chemicals in your brain. Help, thank, praise or flatter someone, or send a random "I love you" or "thinking of you" text to a loved one.
Have fun, laugh and smile. Take 5 minutes to let you hair down and behave like a kid again! If you have kids, do something fun with them: Build a blanket fort, play board games or build a snow man.
Reach out to people who make you feel good, whether it's by phone or social media it doesn't matter.
Expand your mind: Read a good book, watch a TED talk or do a Sudoku puzzle.
So no excuses, the awful weather may not be a choice, but putting up with cabin fever is! Turn a bad situation to your advantage: create, connect, learn and have fun. Enjoy the Winter Break!
Dr Leonaura Rhodes