It's official! Punxsatawney Phil did NOT see his shadow this morning! Therefore, all of us in New England, and anyone experiencing this unusual snowy weather is thrilled! Of course, by the calendar, Spring is always around the corner at this time...only six weeks until it's officially Spring. Puuleezzze! That's not happening here in CT! We typically don't see the robins bobbing around or bulbs busting out the ground until April.
So, what the question arises, what to do over the next couple months with more than 9 snowdays from school the kids have had in one month? Well, for one, try not to go batty!!!! It's hard, sure, when you have a five and six year old running around, making noise all day long when all you want to do is sit quietly with a cuppa coffee and watch GMA on t.v. But, heck, it's the life here in CT. So, we have to roll with the punches and just accept that staying inside during inclement weather is not such a bad thing...really.
Here are the steps of coping with the winter blues that I've summed up for myself:
1. Embrace this winter weather. It ain't going anywhere, so don't even wish it away. Go outside and make a snowman, build a fort or make a tunnel. You'd be surprised how much fun you'll end up having if you just get out there and be like a kid. You'll exert energy, which of course translates to releasing endorphins...that we know are the good things that make us feel happy!
2. Enjoy your time with the kids. Don't look at it as being stuck with them another day. Take on the perspective that maybe a higher force is saying it's about time you take the time to be with your children and enjoy them. Someday, they will leave your nest and you'll be wishing they never left.
3. Get creative! Being a mom of young children, I've done my share of crafts and games which might qualify me as a professional. Heck, we are! Doing this day after day could get a little monotonous. So, switch it up and get creative! Today, I had the kids make a pet shop in the living room. They set up all their stuffed animals, priced everything, made stations to wash and dry, dress and even vet pet care for those animals that needed to be "healed and mended". It just took a little creativity and the kids then went with it and added their own ideas. Kept them occupied and they learned about cooperation, money, reading/spelling and how things flow.
4. Carve out time for yourself, even when the kids are home. Moms and Dads need their "time out", too. Pop in that video, tell the kids you're going to take some "me time" and go in another room to read that book you've been meaning to finish, or if you're crafty, start sewing, crocheting, scrapbooking. Even if you only take 1/2 hour, you'll be happy you did it, and so will your kids!
5. Catch up with loved ones. We always say, I'll call them when I get home or when I have more time. Yet, that time seems to never happen and we end up procrastinating what we wanted to do. Stop and listen to yourself. If you think of calling that special person, do it NOW! Or at least send that email or better yet, an e-card, to let them know you're thinking about them.
This past month has been a doozy on all of us and I'm sure has gotten many in
a funk they can't seem to escape. I've tried my hardest to not give in to the depressing thoughts of winter and enjoy the aspects that make it so beautiful and special. It's helped me get through a rough month and brought a bit of peace of mind, too.
So, next time you are snow-bound, stuck in a rut, can't get motivated or just frustrated that you can't keep your kids occupied, try and remember that each day is a blessing and to take advantage of your situation, however mundane or restricted it may be. You will be surprised how happy you might feel afterwards.
Peace.
