Snow days don’t just mean colder weather outside. More often than not, with your driveway blocked, you find yourself trapped inside your home until the next snow blower arrives. Before you know it, you’re feeling restless and pacing about the house.

Not too many people know that a condition called “cabin fever” exists. It is defined as a claustrophobic reaction that occurs when a person is isolated for a period of time. It usually takes place during the winter months, when sunlight is scarce and there are limited chances for outdoor activity. If you’re faced with the prospect of snowy days for quite some time, browse through our tips for how to avoid cabin fever:

Image courtesy of Michal Marcol / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Start a Hobby

If you’re into knitting, papier-mâché, or pottery, having all that time on your hands actually works really well for you. For example, making Christmas cards out of cardboard and pictures from magazines is not just a touching gesture for loved ones; it’s also a way of releasing all that pent-up energy. Decorating a Christmas tree could be just as therapeutic as gazing at colorful outdoor scenery.

Stay Active

With the freezing air, outdoor exercise might prove to be impractical and dangerous. A challenging treadmill session, though, could be as beneficial as your usual jog outside. A snow day is also the perfect time to set up a home gym and pop some exercise DVDs into the player. This will not just help you through the winter; it will also develop your stamina for outdoor activities later in the year.

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