Every outdoor enthusiast has had the feeling. It’s the dead of winter, and you’ve been cooped up in your house for a good two months. Knowing that you’re barely halfway through, despair begins to set in. You trudge through the days and go into a sort of hibernation mode as the remainder of winter crawls along. Well, this doesn’t have to happen this year. While biting winds and deep snow may limit your actual outdoor activity, there are still plenty of things to do to prevent cabin fever from setting in too deeply. Read on to find out how to stave off those winter blues.
Get in shape
Though the cold weather and Holiday season is a potent combination for overeating and under-exercising, you’re bound to regret not-so-good health choices when the time comes to strap on your hiking boots again. This year, try getting a jump on your warm weather outdoor plans by exercising regularly. If you stick with it, you’ll have a noticeable increase in strength and stamina when you’re finally in the woods or on the water again.
Learn new techniques and skills
Instead of flipping the tube to the same old monotonous crime drama or reality show, try honing your outdoor knowledge and skills. In addition to the wealth of books and videos about outdoor activities like hunting and fishing, there are numerous online communities that focus on these areas. Some outdoor related skills, like fly tying and botany, can be learned from right inside your comfortably heated home.
Fine tune your equipment
It’s always a pain to break out outdoor equipment that’s been sitting all winter, only to find it nearly unusable. You can make idle time during the winter productive by cleaning guns, taking apart and lubing up reels, and keeping tents and sleeping bags in usable shape.
Splurge on new toys
Without a doubt, early winter is shopping season for most people. By the time mid to late winter rolls around, you’ll be restless, and they will be finished. That, of course, means there are plenty of sales and price cuts to take advantage of. With a little research, you’ll likely be able to find the outdoor item you’ve been coveting at a discount – so set aside a little “fun” money earlier in the season.
Brave the bitter cold, if only few a short time
No matter how chilly it is, you can still enjoy the outdoors, if only for a little while. Brisk walks, ice skating, and hikes are good exercise and a great way break up the restlessness of cabin fever.
For those who love the outdoors, the middle of winter can be downright dreadful. But there’s no reason to go into full hibernation mode. All it takes is a few ideas and a little motivation to make it happily and healthily to impending warmer weather.
I’m always fascinated with people experiencing heavy snow and winter. For us, living in a tropical area, sometimes I’m tempted to move just for a refreshing change, but then again, I’m not really that good with cold weather.
great to here someone else is interested in saying busy in the winter season..Thanks for the great suggestion on what to do while we wait for spring.