Cabin fever, while not an actual disease, is a state of restlessness, depression and irritability brought on by an extended stay in a confined space or a remote, isolated area. The lack of environmental stimulation can have real, tangible side effects that have a detrimental impact on anyone suffering from cabin fever.

Although our winter has not as of yet been as bad as in past winters, we look to be expecting some cold weather soon and some of us may begin to experience, cabin fever.

Historians speculate that the term cabin fever was first used to describe early U.S. settlers who experienced long winters in their log cabins, snowed in until the spring thaw. The term is dated to the 19th century and is first recorded in 1918, according to the Online Etymology Dictionary.

Those especially susceptible to cabin fever are children who are confined to the house during rain or cold weather. Also, stay-at-home moms have long bemoaned the cabin fever they suffer from when confined to the house without adult interaction. Passive entertainment from television and video games may pass the time, but don’t provide the active, interactive entertainment that people crave.

Reading, board games and card games may help, but getting outdoors and engaging in physical activity may be the only real “cure.” Calling a friend, or simply trying to get a change of scenery, may help as well.

A few other helpful ideas to beat Cabin fever may be:

1. Pull out the markers, paper, pipe cleaners, and leftover Christmas mints and make “Happy Winter” cards for friends and neighbors.

2. Send the kids to play, roller skate, bounce balls, race toy cars, or do jumping jacks in the garage. Even if your garage is unheated, it still offers protection from the wet and cold.

3. Sort through the toys and pitch the broken ones, donate neglected ones, and store some in a box to pull out later in the year

4. Pull out the fine china and light candles at dinner. Even if you’re eating chicken nuggets, enjoy your “special” dishes!

5. Watch old family movies or look through photo albums together.

6. Make an indoor obstacle course. Heap the couch cushions to climb, stack chairs to crawl under, and pile boxes to jump over or slide through.

8. Make cards and a treat for a service provider you appreciate. Are you thankful for your dependable mail or newspaper carrier? Does the visit from the sanitation truck bring your preschooler great joy? Let them know!

9. Set up the camping tent in the living room or make your own tent with tables and blankets. Pull out the sleeping bags and flashlights, maybe even make S’Mores.

10. January 19th is National Popcorn Day. Pop popcorn, sprinkle it outside for the birds, or just enjoy it while watching a movie.

11. Go on a safari. Hide the children’s stuffed animals around the house.

12. January 21st is Opposite Day. Wear pajamas for the day, put on your clothes at night. Eat pizza for breakfast and pancakes for dinner. How many opposites can you come up with?

13. Set up a table and begin a large jigsaw puzzle for the family to work on. It’s amazing what kids will discuss when their hands are busy doing a puzzle.

14.  Write a letter to or call someone you have not been in touch with for awhile. Let them know what you miss about them or share a precious memory.

15.  Have a spa day at home. Give foot and back rubs while listening to instrumental music. Sip water with cucumber slices and eat finger sandwiches. Even boys like a little pampering!

16.  Make treats for wildlife and/or hang a bird feeder in front of a window and give your children the joy of experiencing nature in their yard.