That quilt lying there innocently on the couch sure looks inviting doesn’t it? The wind is howling outside and check it out – the classic movie channel is airing your favorite film. What to do?
Don’t succumb if that inviting quilt has beckoned and won several times this week. Resist and do something active, something that will make you feel like you have accomplished something on your to-do list. The trouble with this list during the winter months is that it seems to get longer and longer as we put off things and opt for the blanket and the remote. That’s when the vicious circle of “too many things to do” causes us not to do anything at all.
Compounded by shorter days and longer nights during this time of year, the vicious circle can actually do us harm. We need to get up off that couch and get some things done.
Here are a few ideas to keep that hibernating feeling at bay and help you feel better about yourself.
• On the days when sub zero temperatures and blizzard conditions are limiting mobility you can tackle those tasks you have been meaning to get to like cleaning out the storage closet or organizing your photos. What about all that glassware in your china cabinet that could use a good dusting or the workbench that has been hidden underneath boxes and scrap for the past few months?
• Get involved with your kids. Break out some of the board games or, even better, grab a video game console remote and participate in some of the fitness games, or ones where you imitate a rock band. Your kids will get a giggle out of seeing you try a guitar solo and who says these games are just for kids anyway?
•n If you can get out of the house, why not go swimming or head to the indoor skating rink when public skating is offered. Why not try bowling or take in a museum? Perhaps it’s time to check out that local art gallery.
• Get to know your computer a little better. Computers are not just for gaming or for reposting funny pictures on Facebook (although that is rather fun!). Start doing some research on things that interest you or look up new recipes to try. How about taking in a YouTube video that teaches you how to knit or build a birdhouse? There is a wealth of knowledge right at your fingertips.
Fighting the urge to hibernate does not mean you have to implement a high energy fitness program right away, unless you want to. Sometimes just tackling the to-do list is enough.
