10 Tips for the Crazy Days {also known as the long days of winter}

Ah, January. Here in the frozen world of Minnesota by the time mid-January rolls around I’m itching for spring, flowers, gardening, and having my windows open with the breeze blowing through. In fact, yesterday for about six minutes and thirty-two seconds I had the window above my kitchen sink open. I just needed fresh {even though it was freezing} air. Often, in the midst of January and the being stuck in the house because it is way too cold to send the kids outside or take a walk our day loses focus. Here are some simple ways that I’ve used to help keep those long crazy winter days in focus. These tips, and of course, a good cup of coffee.

10 Tips for the Crazy Days {also known as the long days of winter}

1. Prep the Night Before. A guaranteed way for my day to go off track is for me to not have any idea of what is on the schedule for the day when I wake up. Get in the habit of prepping for your day the night before – pack bags, tidy a bit, think of all you have to do – and then get good rest. When there is a general plan, then it helps keep the day moving. But, remember to give yourself grace for the days that simply don’t stay on track or those days and weeks where prep just doesn’t happen. For the winter I’ll prep in activities that get my family moving or that are a bit out of the ordinary.

2. Read Out Loud. For the days where no one seems to calm down grab a book and start reading. I’ve discovered that once I begin reading everyone will gradually refocus. Some of the sweetest moments that I have with my children are those little times sitting on the couch with them gathered around while I read words to them. There is something very calming about words being read out loud. Often I’ll read to a couple and within minutes many are listening in.

3. Whisper. When it gets way too loud in your home, adopt the strategy of whispering to your children – or at least talking very silently. In order for others to hear, they are simply going to have to adopt quieter tones. I love whispering words to my littles for them to hear – often, especially when it is really loud – it will simply be words like I love you, you are important to me, you matter. That simple act typically resets the mood. If nothing else, it certainly gets things a bit quieter as they try to hear what I’m telling them.

4. Hold Hands. There will come a day when your littles won’t hold hands walking into the store or with you. Grab the hand holding moments. It is a beautiful expression of support, connection, and again, allows those involved grace to step back from the crazy. It’s very similar to whispering – it’s an investing in them, stepping out of the race of the day and letting them know how important they are to me. Often in the middle of the crazy days I’ll stop what I’m doing and grab the hands of one of my children and simply tell them how much I love and value them.

5. Cook Together. At dinner, let them help you. My initial dinner strategy is to race through the day by myself and finish it myself simply because it is quicker and requires less work. That being said, try to involve your children in dinner prep – peeling potatoes, washing lettuce, and more – working together creates bonds between family members. I know it’s more work, but the results are worth it. Just teach cleaning up as you cook. 😉

6. Run. This is my favorite break the crazy mood strategy ever. I’ll quickly tell my boys to put on their shoes and run around the house five times and to try to finish it before the timer goes off. They’ll race to get everything together, throw on their shoes and I’ll see them run and run and run. Energy will be burned off. Laughter will return. By the way, you should try it as well – it’s invigorating. Now, in the midst of January, often it’s things like playing Just Dance on the Wii or jumping jacks or yes, even a quick run around the house. Once they come in they’re grateful to be back inside.

7. Do Art. I know, a mess, right? Yet, pull out the art supplies and get everyone going on an art project. Cutting snowflakes, using glitter {let them shake it over a paper that is in a jelly roll pan – easy clean up} painting, markers, making map, – just being creative. Do not think about the mess. Instead enjoy the moment, the joy, of them allowing creativity to shine. And legos count. 😉

8. 50 Things to Throw/Donate. Grab a garbage bag and have everyone work to find fifty things to throw away and fifty things to donate. Not only does it create positive energy it also helps to clean the house. And that? That always refocuses my day. Less clutter makes for a better and calmer environment. It’s truly becomes an exercise in gratitude and giving in the middle of letting go of things not needed.

9. Watch a Movie. Some days I am simply thankful for Netflix. There is nothing wrong on those hard days to pull out a movie and sit and watch it together. Watch the movie, or let your littles watch the movie, and then you work to get caught up in what you need to do. Or, choose to sit with them and simply enjoy the moment of time together. Make sure you do this at times – sitting there, just enjoying the movie with them – and letting your massive agenda go just for a bit. Pop the popcorn and laugh with them. That matters.

10. Write a New To-Do List. The to-do list isn’t set in stone. Start a new one, wherever you are in your day. Transfer over what is needed, add some things that you can almost immediately cross off, and just keep  going. Make sure to add on your to-do list times with your children. Simple moments – the reading of the books, running around the house, playing in the snow. You will be blessed by penciling them in. They are eager to learn, to be involved, and you have the opportunity to carve moments in their day specifically for them.

Simple suggestions for long days, or days that get off track, or just for the everyday.

What are some of your ideas for these long crazy days of winter?

Images and original content are sole property of Rachel Martin and may not be used, copied or transmitted without prior written consent.