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Fight Cabin Fever
Tips to Survive the Long, Cold Winter Days By Cara J. Stevens
With the holidays at an end and a long stretch of cold days ahead, it may seem like an eternity before March 21 arrives signaling the official end of winter. Hard as you may try to revel in wintry activities and keep your spirits up, it's hard to muster enthusiasm for yet another snow day and early sunset – especially if you're a mom.
"Any time of year, moms lose themselves," says Barbara Heller, a psychotherapist, clinical social worker and author of 365 Ways to Relax Body, Mind and Soul (Storey Books, 2000). "Their needs get put at the end of the list, but it happens even more so in winter when there is a loss of light and more constraints in terms of activities."
For others, like Beth Freeberg, of Roslyn, N.Y., being stuck indoors is the trigger. "What I like least about winter is not getting to go outside as much," she says. "Being house-bound on multiple snow days with kids who just want to play outside is fun for a while, but then I get cold and wet and need to head inside for a cup of hot cocoa."
And many people are simply affected by the loss of sunlight. "I dislike the colorless aspect of winter in January," says Charlotte Tilson, a family therapist in Sacramento, Calif. "It really drains my energy level."