We have so far managed to keep our little household going through this pandemic ok -- parents are working fom home, kids (7 and 9) in hybrid school. All are doing ok, but right now I'm feeling more in the dumps than at any other time. It's winter, the holidays are over, it's cold outside, there is nowhere to go. I generally find January and February depressing and hard, but this winter so much worse because there are very few places to go outside our apartment -- no restaurants, no libraries, no indoor playdates, virtually nothing! We have been going to the museum (AMNH or Met) sometimes, but we are trying to limit those visits. I'm sick of all the indoor activities that felt somewhat interesting when this pandemic started -- the puzzles, the games, the baking. I had to drag my kids out for 10 min walk today and nobody enjoyed it -- too windy and cold. Nothing feels enjoyable. What are you doing that is keeping your spirits up?
I also generally hate this time of year. I 100% relate. This weekend, though, I was surprised to find that it was sunny enough for me to spend a good chunk of our time outdoors. We've taken to playing in the woods (building things with the stones and the sticks, exploring, collecting acorns). Even the 1.5-2.5 hours we spend outdoors helps tremendously.
While we can't go to the library, I've been doing the "ShelfHelp" program they offer. You tell them about a book you like and they send you a curated bundle of 5. It's like getting a surprise or a gift.
Some museums, like the City Museum of New York, have online programs with crafts you can do at home. My DC enjoy these and I sometimes help. It's similar to when we used to go to the museums and do the activities there. Have you heard of Bowery Boys? They do podcasts and have a book of a walking tour of NYC. I have learned a lot about the City from that, and now when I walk with my DC I can give them a "tour" of where we are walking. It's a nice way to make the walk more interesting.
Granted I don't live in the city anymore, but can you get out for the day on a weekend? Winter is my absolute favorite time of year, mostly because I just love winter sports. Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, etc... or ice skating even? Is that available within the city? I know this will likely not help your day to day, but maybe give you something to look forward to on weekends?
there is ice skating in the City, but with COVID it's difficult to get a slot. I've only managed to take my family 3X this winter and it was more of a pain than it was worth
@Anonymous prospect park rink is easy to book and they have an awesome outside cafe with cocoa, snacks and adult drinks. It’s fantastic and fun to walk the park also. Could even include the zoo if you wanted to make a day of it.
I've enjoyed eating out whenever the temperature is above 40. I do feel that there is hope on the horizon and that keeps me going. Spring will be here soon. People are starting to get vaccinated. The worst is behind us.
I am working out at home which helps me destress a little bit. I also take long hot showers. I started organizing things, doing stuff that I never had time to do earlier. Organizing all our pictures since the time DC was born into albums. Also started work on redecorating DC's room. I figured if we are to be homebound, I'd find activities to do at home. I also get down if I think about the situation and I have found it works best for me if I don't have too much free time on my hands.
Buy good winter clothing and start going on long walks in a park. Read about the history or some fun facts and base the walks around them. We walked all the little bridges in Prospect park once, another time we walked and tried to find the spot in the park from which you can see the ocean. Why no play dates outside? Do your kids have bikes or skateboards? If outdoorsy stuff is not your thing, pick a really fun show to watch every night with your kids. Like the British baking one, that maybe good for kids this age. And once a week try to cook one of the recipes and have formal tea time. Dedicate time for yourself every night. Do one of the 7- or 11-minute workout form NYT. Then buy some nice creams and masks and pamper yourself every night. This is a good time for uplifting books. Tina Fay and Mindy Caling's books got me through a very difficult period a few years ago.