Beating Cabin Fever!

It's March 9th!  ...And it's still snowing, and I'm hearing a lot of people are feeling a little disheartened about the lingering snow and cold.  I mean, the lingering is really close to the line of loitering at this point, don't you think?  OK, let's be honest, this happens every year in Utah!  In February the sun comes out a little, the snow starts to melt, we get into the high 40's or low 50's, and then it snows into April.  What I'm saying is, while the official first day of spring is just around the corner, the warmth of spring might not be!  

Michelle Gielan, writer for Psychology Today, suggests some ways to beat cabin fever: 
"During the winter months, people spend more time inside.  Even if you have to bundle up, go out for a walk!  Set aside time, perhaps on your lunch hour, to spend a few minutes outside.  You'll get some exercise and soak up the sun, including the vitamins that come with it.  If there is a body of water such as a lake or pond nearby, take advantage of it.  One study shows that just five minutes a day walking by the water boosts our mood."

Another suggestion of hers is to plan a trip or event so that you have something to look forward to.  Here are some things going on locally that will help you feel like you're outta town!  

For a new experience, try the full moon snowshoeing/cross-country skiing at Sundance Resort--it's coming up on March 18th and 19th: http://www.sundanceresort.com/explore/wnt_nordic_fullmoon.html
They also offer Night Owling!  A professionally-guided snowshoe tour including calling for owls, and using live owls to teach about wildlife in winter.  Coming up on March 25th!

http://www.sundanceresort.com/explore/wnt_nordic_owl.html

Don't feel like climbing up the mountain?  How about riding down on a nordic coaster?  Park City Mountain Resort's Nordic Coaster is open during the winter and it is a BLAST!  http://www.parkcitymountain.com/winter/conditions/mountain_activities/alpine_coaster


Or how about tubing at Soldier Hollow?  You ride the mountain UP AND DOWN!  You can even do the biathlon on their Olympic course (including shooting at targets!) http://www.soldierhollow.com/

www.soldierhollow.com

Just wanna snuggle?  Try a SLEIGH RIDE at Homestead Resort! http://www.homesteadresort.com/Winter

No time for a getaway?  Try seeing the snow in a new way!  When was the last time you made a snowman?  My friend in Nashville, TN made a snowman and dressed it in a homemade (paper) hat, scarf, buttons, etc.  Or what about a snowball fight?  Or a snow angel?  

 Photo by Barry B. Brown/Coral Reef Photos

If, after trying your darndest to appreciate the lingering/loitering winter, you don't succeed, maybe you should start planning your mid-winter getaway for next year so you won't find yourself in the same funk.  Read this article from Outside blogger Aaron Gulley (who is also fed-up with the cold) about great Caribbean mountain biking getaways.  The pictures alone will cheer you up!  http://outside-blog.away.com/blog/2011/03/5-caribbean-mountain-biking-escapes.html