It’s cold and snowy. And there’s nothing to do.
You’d like to hop a flight to a sunny destination, but you’re stuck here. And often, you’re stuck inside.
Here are some strategies to help you beat the winter blahs.
1. Enjoy comfort food.
Bake — a lot. Why not? As the temperature drops, more people warm up to cooking and baking comfort foods such as pot roast, hearty stews, potpie and sugar cookies. Research a few recipes online or check our the World-Herald’s 12 Days of Cookies recipes, then get into the spirit of winter cooking.
2. Get fit.
If you overindulge on your baked goods, get into shape with workout video games such as “Zumba Fitness,” “Just Dance” and “The Biggest Loser: Challenge.” If you’re not into traditional workout videos or video games, you could always pop in your favorite CD and dance with the kiddos.
3. Surf the Internet.
Find the latest YouTube sensations or make a video and become one. That’s how Justin Bieber was discovered. His Omaha concert sold out within 45 minutes. Check out “How to Become a YouTube Sensation”.
4. Pamper yourself.
Don’t take off the PJs. Have a home spa day. Aromatherapy can help reduce stress and improve your mood. Search online for recipes for bath salts or oils or room scents. Try www.marthastewart.com or Pinterest.
5. Have a game night.
Invite friends over or gather the family for a round or two of UNO, Apples to Apples or Monopoly. Good games and good food go hand-in-hand. Order a pizza or make finger-food appetizers to snack on during checkers.
6. Learn something new.
It doesn’t have to be quantum physics, but occupy your spare time with a new hobby. Suggestions: scrapbooking, crochet, knitting, blogging or something cool on www.findmeahobby.com.
7. Celebrate a new office theme day.
Momaha blogger Heidi Woodard is started a petition to get Pajama day in work offices — and in homes — across the country. Click here to read more about it.
8. Embrace winter.
Winter is here. There’s no fighting it, so you might as well love it. Build a snow castle or a snowman or go sledding. If you’re completely opposed to the snow, then view some of these sledding wipeout clips .
9. Throw a mustache party.
Invite a few friends over or entertain your kids. Decide if you want to draw on or stick on your staches. You can pick up a pack of adhesive mustaches at Family Dollar for about $6. Several supply stores such as Nobbies and Mangelsen’s also carry a variety. Remember: Each mustache has character, and you must play the part. If you’re wearing a Burt Reynolds-style, for example, you would talk and act like the 1970s sex icon.
10. Laugh with an old friend.
Get on the phone, flip through your little black book of contacts and have a good old-fashioned phone conversation. You know, the kind that teenagers have. Giggle, giggle. Take an hour or two to catch up.
11. Make your own art.
Give your children a chance to express themselves through painting, sculpture, photography or making a collage. Frame it. It might end up adding to your home decor.
12. Host a classic movie night.
Some retro suggestions: “Casablanca,” “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” “African Queen,” “High Noon” and “East of Eden.” In the holiday mood? Try “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” or “Home Alone.”
13. Clean out your closet.
That ought to keep you busy. And hit the attic or basement while you’re at it. Sell some of your unwanted goods. You might as well make a little cash. Decluttering is awesome.
14. Download library e-books.
It seems as though everyone in the world got some kind of e-reader for Christmas, said Amy Mather of the Omaha Public Library. So the library offers basic instruction on downloading books from its online catalog. View the guide here: http://guides.omahalibrary.org/ereaders. And don’t forget to check out the new e-books from the World-Herald, <a href=”http://marketplace.omaha.com/shop/home.php?cat=3″>available now in the OWH Store</a>.
15. Get back into letter-writing.
It really is a lost art. Send a warm fuzzy through the mail. It’ll surprise someone and might start a chain reaction.
16. Catch up on your TV shows.
Stream TV shows online — whether via network websites or services like Hulu and Netflix. It’s a sure way to keep you busy indoors for a few hours.
17. Shop online.
Just because snow has covered the roads doesn’t mean you can’t shop. Great places to start include many of your favorite local retailers with websites, Amazon, overstock.com and etsy.
18. Clear out e-mails and voice mails.
It’s the perfect time to sit down and listen to messages or read all those e-mails that have slowed down your computer and smart phone.
19. Dress like a superhero.
This can go one of two ways. You can plan a superhero day with the kids, making capes from bed sheets and doing gnarly jumps off the couch or your bed.
20. Help out your neighbors
Dust off that snow blower and shovel, bundle up and head outside to clear the sidewalk of the family next door. They’ll be super thankful, and that warm feeling you get inside might help keep the frostbite away.
We’d love to hear from you. Tell us how you keep busy on a snowy day. Comment below.
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