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If you’ve been trapped in the never-ending winter vortex with 90% of the United States, chances are you’re craving some warmth and sunshine! If you have the freedom and finances to take a last minute vacation, then why the heck are you reading my blog? Go enjoy the sun!  If not, here are 10 cheap & easy ways to beat cabin fever!

1. Make sure you’re getting enough Vitamin D

Most people aren’t and if you are supplementing, read the studies about pairing D with Vitamin K2 for proper absorption.  You might need mega doses for a while if your levels are low.  Unless you are outdoors every day for at least an hour, 5000-10000 IUs won’t hurt you, but pair it with Vitamin K2 and coconut oil for better absorption and less risk of calcification.

2.  Put on some summer music

Perhaps it’s southern rock, reggae, Hawaiian, or bluegrass.  Pandora has stations with summer hits from the 80’s, 90’s and 2000’s.  Whatever your taste, music can set the mood, beat cabin fever, and have you feeling like you’re on the beach.

3.  Find some summer flicks on Amazon Prime or Netflix

Beat cabin fever by living vicariously through a movie. Don’t forget to turn on a space heater!

4. Take a LONG, HOT SHOWER

Don’t forget to sing along to your summer hits and moisturize well afterward.  If you have some coconut oil or tropically scented essential oils, use them!   Smells have a strong memory association that will have you reminiscing in no time.

5.  Light Some Candles

Speaking of smells, if you have any beachy scented candles stashed away, break them out and scatter around!  Even fruity scents like apple or grapefruit will invoke a summer mood.

6. Read a great summer book

Get some of these best summer books on Kindle right now!

7. Plan a vacation

The act of anticipating an exciting event increases the feel-good receptors in our brains.  Even if you aren’t going to take a real vacation this year.  Set aside an hour to read some travel blogs and look at your favorite fantasy destinations.  No one ever feels bad looking at pictures from Costa Rica and Tahiti!  Priceline has good prices on vacation packages. 

8. Reach out and touch someone

Married? Go cuddle up with your spouse. Have Kids? Go snuggle them. Have a friend or family nearby? Give them a long hug. Have a pet? Take a break and go pet them. Don’t have anyone to touch? Book a massage. In fact, if you can afford it, book one or two a month during the winter. Touch releases oxytocin which produces feelings of well-being and can significantly reduce chances of early death!

9. Learn something new or Start a Business

Take a free online class from Creativebug – free for two weeks! Or, take my course on how to start an online business! Not sure what’s it’s all about – sign up to watch a free webinar on how I went from broke to making over $5,000 per month in my virtual assistant business. There’s nothing better to beat cabin fever than immersing yourself in a newly profitable endeavour!

10. Throw a luau or summer beach party

Put on some leis from The Dollar Tree, play some Hawaiian tunes, break out the mixed cocktails (see below for a semi-healthy option) with little umbrellas and ask guests to bring pool chairs or lounge chairs.  Set up a tiki bar in your living room and pretend it’s 90 degrees outside!

Pina Colada Smoothie Recipe & Photo From Paleo Newbie:

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup full-fat coconut milk
• 1/2 cup chopped pineapple
• 1 banana
• 1/2 tsp. pure vanilla
• 1/2 tsp Ceylon cinnamon
• 1 tbs raw honey
• Ice
• Optional: Scoop of protein powder or a shot of rum

Instructions

1. Place all ingredients in a kitchen blender (I recommend BLENDTEC and HERE are some great ways it will save you money!)
2. Blend until creamy
3. Insert straw and enjoy

What are some ways you get through the winter blues?  Do you have any tips for making it bearable for kids when it’s too cold to play outside? Comment below with your suggestions!