Conquering Cabin Fever

The depths of winter have really set in now. The days are short, cold, and sometimes leaving the house for a much-needed excursion isn’t a possibility. Cabin fever may be setting in!

Cabin fever, that restless itch brought on by confinement, can turn even the most energetic child into a fidgety mess. Imagine walls suddenly closing in, boredom gnawing at curiosity, and pent-up energy begging for release. That’s cabin fever: whines become battle cries, sibling jabs turn into full-blown skirmishes, and screen time becomes a desperate plea for stimulation. It’s not just whining and bouncing off the walls, though; sleep gets wonky, concentration wanes, and even appetites might take a dive. Cabin fever paints a picture of little firecrackers waiting to spark – a reminder that even the tiniest humans need adventures, fresh air, and a chance to roam beyond the four walls of home.

Yoga to the rescue! Just because our physical bodies are trapped indoors, it doesn’t mean our imaginations can’t explore the world… and beyond! Here are some fun ways to conquer cabin fever using movement and creativity:

Animal Poses: Transform your living room into a jungle gym! Let your little ones roar like lions in Mountain Pose, slither like snakes in Cobra Pose, and hop like frogs in Frog Pose. Encourage silly sounds and imaginative roars to keep them engaged.

Obstacle Courses: Create a playful obstacle course using pillows, blankets, and furniture. Weave through chairs in Downward-Facing Dog, hop over bolsters in Warrior Pose, and balance across cushions in Tree Pose. Make it silly and challenging, turning the living room into their own yoga adventure land.

Freeze Dance Flow: Put on some energetic music and let loose! Play freeze dance, but with a yoga twist. When the music stops, call out a yoga pose for everyone to hold until the music starts again. Try silly ones like Monkey Pose, Airplane Pose, or even Child’s Pose with silly animal noises.

Partner Yoga: Make it a bonding experience with partner yoga poses. Help each other balance in Tree Pose, stretch together in Boat Pose, or giggle in Happy Baby Pose facing each other. This is a great way to encourage cooperation and build trust.

Storytelling Yoga: Weave a story into your yoga practice. Let them be brave knights in Warrior Pose, sail the seas in Boat Pose, or soar through the air in Eagle Pose. Make up your own story or use a favorite book, letting the poses bring the tale to life. And remember, the poses don’t have to be “real” yoga postures. What would an Elephant Pose look like? Or Cloud Pose? 

Calming Breaths: When cabin fever gets overwhelming, practice some calming breaths together. Breathe in deeply through the nose, feeling the belly expand, and then slowly exhale through the mouth. Encourage visualizations, like imagining blowing away the nasty weather outside with each long exhale.

Remember, the most important thing is to keep it fun and engaging! Let your children’s imaginations guide the practice, and don’t worry about perfect form. The goal is to get them moving, laughing, and releasing some pent-up energy in a healthy way.

Fortunately, The Mindfulnest offers classes, special events, and open play seven days a week! Escape to our haven of movement, mindfulness, and imagination! Find our full programming schedule here!