Cooperative Living January 2015 - 26

HEALTHY TAKE
I
t's the time of year when short days and dreary weather can
start wearing us down. Cabin fever, defined by Webster's
dictionary as " an unhappy and impatient feeling that comes
from being indoors for too long, " predictably arises during winter
months, especially when winter storms keep us inside.
For some, the symptoms of being cooped up too long can be
more severe. In the early 1980s, researchers at the National
Institute of Mental Health found that the reduction in light intensity
during winter months can affect the natural release of the
hormone melatonin in our brains. They named this condition
Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD.
Treatments for those who have been diagnosed with SAD
include light therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, timed supplementation
of melatonin, or prescribed antidepressant medication.
For the rest of us, research has shown that spending even a brief
time outdoors each day, such as walking the dog or going out to
the mailbox, can improve cognitive functioning and one's overall
sense of well-being.
HERE ARE A FEW IDEAS SO YOU'RE PREPARED WHEN CABIN FEVER STRIKES!
HOLD A MOVIE NIGHT. Pick a time
when family and friends can gather, then
rent (or queue up on the DVR) some
current movies ― or select a few " oldies
but goodies " from your own collection.
Pop up popcorn and fix hot chocolate.
Have children bring their sleeping bags
into the living room, while adults can cozy
up with their favorite afghans and pillows
on the couch. Enjoy the movies, and then
the kids can hold a slumber party in the
same room!
HOUSECLEANING WITH A TWIST.
While vacuuming and dusting around furniture,
try rearranging the items in one of
the rooms of your house. You can swap
out decorative items or try " de-cluttering "
(removing some of the smaller objects for
a neater appearance).
HOST A RETRO-GAME NIGHT.
Gather a deck of cards or favorite board
game and prepare some drinks and
goodies to enjoy. Keep track of scores on
24
a clipboard or dry-erase board and
figure out a prize or favor to reward the
winners. You can also play charades
or develop your own version of win, lose
or draw.
MIMIC A SPA GETAWAY.
Temperatures may be freezing outside,
but you can pamper yourself in tropical
island style. Stock up on your bath and
skin care products that offer summery
scents like coconut, sandalwood and
ginger. After your bath or shower, wrap
yourself in a favorite robe or jammies,
find a quiet place to relax, and light a
scented candle. Then sit back while
sipping a cup of warm tea.
LIKE TO BAKE? Start a recipe box (or
Pinterest account) and add favorite
recipes you've found in magazines,
newspapers and books, or online. Type
or write down family favorites and paste
them into a scrapbook. Let other members
of the household pick out some of their
favorites and take a day to create the
recipes. Create a warm and delicioussmelling
kitchen on a cold and windy day.
GO INTO TOWN. If you are able to
safely travel, go with family and friends to
a nearby gym or shopping center. Tour a
museum, take in a show, go out for a nice
dinner or an indulgent brunch, and do a
little shopping or window shopping. It's
amazing what a weekend of me-time can
do for your spirits.
BE READY IF THE LIGHTS GO OUT.
Stock up on a few books that you have
been meaning to read or jigsaw puzzles.
Try a new craft such as creating a family
scrapbook. Get everybody involved by
picking out favorite family pictures. Create
a special category page for each one.
Write your favorite stories or memories,
and then add some colorful stamps or
stickers. Let each family member create
his own page to add to the book. 
Sources: www.nih.gov, www.health.com
Cooperative Living/January 2015
ISTOCK/THINKSTOCK
http://www.nih.gov http://www.health.com
Cooperative Living January 2015

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