Every year on Groundhog Day we hold our breath as Punsxutawney Phil is coaxed from his lair to easily make one of the biggest and most important weather predictions of the year. Will we have to withstand six more weeks of winter or will we be gifted with an early spring? For those of us (that’s me) who weren’t built to endure the bitterly cold New Jersey winters (hello single digits!), Phil’s irrational fear of his own shadow has left us in quite the chilly predicament. Now, I don’t know about you but I am eager to store away my winter gear, slip on my favorite pair of shades, and strut outside into the sunshine. But before we can enjoy that warm spring air we must brave the last few weeks of winter and beat the inevitable cabin fever. Here is my plan with four ways to beat that cabin fever and coast into spring:
Plan a day trip or a weekend getaway
Spend a day in the city checking out a museum that you’ve never been to or plan a day trip with girlfriends to a quaint historic town that offers old school goodies like antique stores and rare mom & pop shops. Walk around, explore, get excited and I promise at the end of the day you’ll feel refreshed. One weekend getaway on my bucket list is to an estate the lies in the heart of the Hudson Valley. Cedar Lake Estates was built on the grounds of an old summer camp and offers activities such as hiking, yoga and drive-in movies. I love that their cottages are suitable for a couple on a romantic getaway or a family on a weekend trip (decisions, decisions) and are outfitted with décor that combines rustic old-world charm with modern elegance. Combine the backdrop, the décor and the home cooked meals and you have one weekend getaway that I’d call swoon-worthy.
Start a new hobby
When the holiday celebrations have come to an end and we enter the thick of winter I always start to feel a bit antsy. With my favorite time of the season behind us and some of the coldest days ahead, I find myself longing for that warm spring weather and outdoor fun. This year however, I decided that I wouldn’t let those winter blues get me down and I focused my attention on photography. With one basic class down and an intermediate class on my radar I am excited to learn, to challenge myself and to begin my portfolio. Focusing my energy on photography has not only helped me keep my mind off the calendar (come on March 20th!) but it has revitalized my mood and given me an amazing new skill. But don’t let the seasons totally dictate when you want to try something new, come springtime I’m all about taking up golf!
Throw a party
There’s no better way to cure the wintertime blues than good food, good wine, and great friends. Chances are that if you are starting to have that cabin fever kick in than your friends are too. Throw an impromptu get together for a couple’s game night or set a date and send out invites for a more lavish event. Play some old-time favorites, get that dance floor ready and belly laugh the night away. Either way, you and your guests are bound to have a great time.
Get outside and exercise
They say “if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em,” so get outside and get your body moving. Instead of dreading the cold weather, find the fun in it. Go ice skating, take a ski lesson or find the tallest hill and go on the sleigh ride of your life. Build a snowman, make snow angels or have a snow ball fight. Run, dance, jump and glide. Act like a kid again. Not only will you have a blast getting those endorphins pumping but the fresh air and exercise will do your body good.
Coincidentally, the temperature today was a perfect 66 degrees and tomorrow is looking even better. I guess Punsxutawney Phil is beginning to lose his edge a bit. Either way, I’ll be saying so long to my cabin fever!
Get My Look: Norla Beanie, Sorel Boots
