10 Things To Do If You Have Cabin Fever
Let’s face it: being stuck in your home for too long can drive anyone to the brink of insanity. Especially if you are a stay- at home- mom, or work from home, the days can get long and you can find yourself trying to fill the time. No matter what your circumstance is, trying to stay busy can be difficult. But fear not; there are ways you can occupy yourself that not only can make the time pass, but can expand your creativity.
Here are ten things to do if you have cabin fever:
1. Build a tiny home
I discovered this hobby during the COVID-19 pandemic, when I was eager to do something to keep my mind preoccupied. Found on Amazon, tiny home kits include everything you need in order to build just that: a tiny home. They’re miniature home spaces, such as a living room, you can build yourself. Kits include paper, tools, décor, and paint you can easily glue together yourself. It’s a tedious craft which requires a lot of patience, but in the end, you’re left with your very own creation that you built yourself. Price ranges from $20- $50.
2. Redecorate
And I’m not just talking about buying things out of your budget in order to change your living space. Why not make do with what you already have? Try rearranging your furniture, such as moving your couch from one wall to the other. You’d be amazed at how much better you’ll feel after simply moving your things around. Your living space will feel new and different while can make you feel refreshed and rejuvenated.
3. Make a scrapbook
Do you remember when you had to take your camera to a store to get it developed? When you had to wait for your pictures to be printed? Channel that nostalgic feeling into a journal. You’d be amazing at how relaxing simply gluing pictures to paper can be. You can go to your photo friendly store to get pictures from your phone printed out. Or you can print them directly from your phone using a portable printer. Either way, putting them into a journal is a creative (and fun) way to look back at your memories and smile.
4. Treat yourself to a spa day
You don’t have to break the bank in order to treat yourself to a spa experience. Activities like painting your nails, taking a bath, putting a mask on your face, and meditation can help you center yourself. If you are able to take at least twenty minutes to yourself, try doing something pamper yourself. It’s important to practice self- care as it not only gives you a break from the world, but activities such as meditation can help you re- center yourself and refresh your mind.
5. Paint by Numbers
This activity is a great way to get your mind off of things that may be adding stress to yourself. All you do is match the colors from the picture to the numbers and you’ve got yourself a masterpiece. Although it can take a while to complete, it’s a good way to not only expand your creativity, but it can be considered a mindful activity which can help anxiety by focusing the mind on one color at a time. A kit includes your chosen picture, paint, and a brush. One Paint by Numbers pack on Amazon ranges from $10- $25 and you can find a bunch of different paintings.
6. Plant an indoor garden or create a terrarium
Even during the colder months, you can still absolutely practice your green thumb. By planting an indoor garden, you can watch your plants and flowers come to life. It can be a relaxing activity as you plant your seeds and maintain their care. Not into planting? Putting together a terrarium is a great way to show off your skills. All you need is a glass bowl, dirt, rocks, and succulents. Succulents make an ideal indoor house plant as they require little water and upkeep. You can even hang your terrarium from your ceiling, if you have all the parts.
7. Clean out your closet
While cleaning isn’t the most exciting activity, it helps you get organized and you’d be amazed at how much better you’ll feel after you de- clutter your space. You don’t have to do anything that might add more stress to your day, though, so maybe start by simply folding clothes. Once you get into the rhythm of this, you may find yourself wanting to organize more. Try adding a little fun to it such as color coding your clothes that are hanging up.
8. Write
If writing isn’t your thing, try simply jotting your thoughts down on paper. Expressing your thoughts might help you relax and focus your mind on something. Don’t feel like journaling? Try calligraphy. This involves decorative lettering with a pen that can go from bold to thin lines with a simple hand motion. You can find calligraphy kits on Amazon ranging from $8- $25.
9. Embroidering kits
Have you never done this before? Try something new! Embroidery involves stitching yarn or string to fabric. You can do this on almost any piece of fabric; even your clothes. It’s a creative way to add some color to your life and you’ll feel accomplished once you’re finished. If you’re a beginner, there are kits for first timers that go step by step to help you achieve a beautiful design. You can find embroidery kits on Amazon, which can cost anywhere from $14- $26.
10. Cook
Cooking can be a fun way to step out of your comfort zone. Find a low stress recipe that you not only like, but that you’ll have fun making. It’s important to find one that won’t cause you to get frustrated, so if you’ve never cooked before, try foods that don’t require much preparation such as chicken, pasta, or even treat yourself to a delicious dessert. If you’re stuck in your home, you can even get the ingredients delivered to you.
