The winter months can seem to drag on forever--especially if you live in a climate where you’restuck inside due to freezing temperatures and snow. Even here in Charleston, SC, January can seem to drag on forever. After weeks of being cooped, up you may begin to feel the effects of cabin fever. The good news is that there many things you can do to combat that awful restless feeling when the weather just won’t cooperate. This year, don’t let the snow, ice, or cooler temperatures keep you from enjoying the things you love. Instead, we suggest you put together a list of indoor activities you can do to avoid cabin fever…for you and your family. Need some ideas? Not to worry. We’ve put together a few of our favorite things to do during the winter months. Keep reading to check them out.

Visit a Friend 

Between the hustle and bustle of work, taking care of our children, and getting chores around the house done, we don’t often have as much time as we’d like to spend with our friends. If you find yourself sitting inside your house on a blustery Friday night with nothing to do, call a friend and make plans to hang out. Not only will visiting a friend get you out of the house, but spending time together will be sure to warm both of your hearts. Tip: Really beat the winter blues and plan a trip to visit a friend who lives in a warm place, like Florida! Or better yet, plan a trip with your girlfriends to visit a tropical destination together.

Go to the Movies

A big screen projector, the smell of delicious popcorn in the air, and the excitement of watching a new movie make going out to the movies a really fun activity. Put together a list of movies you want to see, and then pick a day to go out and see one with your friends or family. There’s nothing wrong with going to see a movie by yourself either. It’s important to be able to treat yourself and have a “you” day every once in a while. Grab a package of your favorite candy, purchase tickets to that chick flick you’ve been dying to see, and enjoy!

Volunteer

Organizations and charities need volunteer help as often as they can get it, especially during the cold winter months. Warm the stomach of a person in need by making hot meals at your local soup kitchen, volunteer to help wash clothes at a homeless shelter, lend a hand to someone who’s battling cancer, or show the animals at a pet rescue some love. No matter what cause you’re passionate about, there’s always something you can do to help.

Bundle Up and Go for a Walk

Sometimes all it takes is a 30-minute walk to break you out of your cabin fever slump. As long as your roads aren’t icy or dangerous, grab a winter coat, hat, and scarf, bundle up, and head outside for a walk. Tip: Start a weekly winter walking group with your friends. Pick a time once a week to meet up, encourage each other to get outside, and walk together at your local park or in one of your neighborhoods.

Go to a Sporting Event

If you love basketball, football, or other winter sports, now is the time to pick up a ticket and go see your favorite team live in action. If you can’t travel or afford to see your favorite professional team play, I recommend that you check out your local college or farm teams. Tickets to college or farm team games are generally cheaper, but come with just as much fun. To make a night out on the town to watch your favorite sport even more fun, invite family or friends along. Pick up some team jerseys (or make them yourself at home) and enjoy an exciting night out together cheering on your favorite team!

How do you combat cabin fever? Let us know in the comments below.