Cabin Fever

I have never been struck with bad cabin fever and so anxious for spring as I have been this winter. For good reason as I have basically been hibernating since the New Year. It really didn’t set in until February, as January was a complete blur with the arrival of Grace and adjusting to life as a family of five.

With Grace being born a preemie during the peak of cold and flu season her doctors told us not to bring her out of the house for a few months and to keep her away from crowds of people. So as a result I also do not leave the house, except to quick grab some groceries on Saturday and go to church on Sunday.

Needless to say the walls sometimes feel like they are closing in and I found myself feeling easily agitated as I see the world through our windows. Although with having a baby in the house, the past few months have flown by and I am shocked that I have camped out this long and still have my sanity.

So when the temperature hit 60 multiple days in a row this week I bundled Grace up and introduced her to her first stroller ride. It felt so refreshing to be in the fresh air, feel the sunshine and go for a jog. It’s amazing what a couple of hours outside can do for your spirit!

In case you ever find yourself in a similar situation where it’s not feasible to leave the house, I thought I would share ten things I found to be helpful. In no particular order.

1. Getting dressed every morning, yoga pants and joggers weren’t allowed. Brushing my hair and throwing on a little makeup as if I would be going out of the house for the day.
2. Opening all of the curtains in every single room. Let the natural light come in!
3. Text messages from friends asking how I was doing and offering words of encouragement.
4. Pink tulips on the kitchen table.
5. Friends stopping in for a visit and good conversation.
6. Gift card from my husband to my favorite coffee shop!
7. Taking 5 minutes on the hard days and putting on a bright coat of nail polish.
8. Morning prayer.
9. Having popcorn and a movie in a fort with the kiddos.
10. Keeping the house picked up.
    Bonus: A bowl of ice cream at the end of the day!