Are you feeling let down now that the holidays are over?
Someone was telling me it is time to go back to a regular schedule at work and the kids to school. It is now the “Blah Months.”
The Blah Months are when you get bored with staying inside. The skies are mostly gray; temperatures outside are mainly cold. Spring just seems so far away.
You’re tired of staring at the screen, and there’s nothing on, even if you have 250+ channels; there’s at least nothing that interests you or that you haven’t seen before. The kids are complaining that there isn’t anything to do if it doesn’t involve a screen. Sound familiar?
There are those who love the outdoors no matter the cold, and if there’s snow, that’s even better! It’s what we make of it, but it can be a challenge for many of us at certain times of the year.
No matter your age or ability, keeping busy can help lift your mood and make for better days. I have always liked finding new things to do, especially things that don’t cost much and are easy on the budget. After all, the more I save, the more I can do, or rather the more “we” can do since I like doing things with others, especially my family.
When my children were small this was more challenging, but I didn’t want them growing up and remembering that we didn’t do anything. I eventually earned the moniker “Queen of Cheap Entertainment” from my sister, and she frequently called to pick my brain for ideas.
Let’s face it, if you are taking the whole family, it can become costly. The more expensive venues became even more special since we didn’t go as often. But great memories were made over many more less expensive activities that we found to do.
The point is you don’t have to break the bank every time you step out the door with your family. There are even many things to do at home that are simple and fun. These winter months can become welcome opportunities when we have more time to spend together or to capture some relaxing solitary time. Some activities good for all ages include:
Family Movie Day or Night
Cook or bake something new
Prepare an international meal or fondue (new foods, music, etc.)
Organize a Game Night
DIY Spa Day
Take a short walk outside, sled or build a snowman (take the dog)
Have a scavenger hunt
Read a good book with your favorite warm drink
Visit a new or favorite place
Invite family or friends over
Work on a hobby or learn one
Feed the birds and birdwatch (identify what you see)
Plan a vacation or road trip
Plan a garden (1-2 potted containers on the patio count; last frost date is April 15)
Have a crafting day
Make a gift or do something for someone else
Play music or learn a musical instrument
Work puzzles or try relaxation coloring
Exercise
Check out local free or cost-saving events, classes, programs
Volunteer
Explore local shops
Visit a nearby museum (check online for museum “free days”)
Meditate
While it may seem there is not much to do, there is a plethora of possibilities. Do you really want to do something? Sometimes the many days of gray skies can impact our energy level.
Some of us may suffer from what my grandmother called “cabin fever.” The more you stay inside, the more you don’t want to go outside. However, getting out in the fresh air with a change of scenery can not only lift our spirits, but is healthy for us.
If you are not able to go outside, just watching for those sunny days and sitting near a sunny window looking out can be beneficial. Soaking up the sunshine can feel good, kind of like going to the beach and feeling the sun on your skin. Well, OK, that is a big stretch, but sunshine is still good, especially in the winter.
So, whatever you find to do over the next couple of months, hopefully you learn, read, do, see something new and just have fun. Then the Blah Months will be … well, not so blah.
Below is a short list of online resources to help you get started:
Hancock County Public Library (hcplibrary.org)
Greenfield Parks and Recreation Department parks, programs, senior center (greenfieldin.org)
Boys and Girls Club, Greenfield (bgchc.com)
Hancock Regional Hospital (healthpossible.org/classes)
Hancock County Arts (hancockcountyarts.com)
Garfield Park Conservatory (garfieldgardensconservatory.org)
The Cornell Lab of Ornithology (birds.cornell.edu)
