“Expect the unexpected,“ is a common phrase, and it is
especially true when it comes to weather in Tennessee. It seems common to have 60 degree temperatures one day and below freezing the next.
It becomes difficult to think of ways to stay entertained when you’re trapped inside for days on end. You have to become creative to fight off the boredom during the long winter months.
A classic entertainment option is playing board or card games with your friends. Games that have recently been gaining popularity around UTM are Catch Phrase and Cards Against Humanity. Catch Phrase is perfect for getting your heart racing in an effort to beat the clock. Cards Against Humanity is a great way to laugh, but is not for the faint of heart.
If you are especially creative, you might use this time indoors to work on a Pinterest project, or come up with your own to show off on social media.
Cold weather is the best time for comfort food. You can practice your cooking skills and impress your friends when you make the best homemade lasagna they’ve ever had, or make yourself some potato soup to rival O’Charley’s.
Another option is grabbing a good book and cuddling under your covers for hours. People underestimate how much a good book can do. Get lost in a book, and you won’t even notice the time passing by.
If you’re not a fan of reading, have a movie marathon. Whether you’re alone, with your significant other or friends, this is a great option for getting through a particularly harsh cold spell. Netflix will be your best friend for the frigid days. Finding a new television series to get hooked on is another way to spend free time.
There is another problem that often arises when the temperature drops – power outages. When the power goes out, you must become especially creative. You have to figure out ways to fight off the dark and cold while staying entertained. If you live on campus, you aren’t allowed to have candles, which limits your options.
A battery-powered candle is an important item to have if you live on campus. This can be used during power outages or if you want to have a candlelit dinner every once in a while.
When cold weather is approaching, it’s important to keep all of your electronic devices completely charged. At least, you will have a few hours of use out of them if the power goes out.
Whether the power is out or not, it is often a challenge to stay entertained when the cold weather has you feeling gloomy. Of course, with school starting back, make sure to leave time for your homework, but give your mind a rest once in a while. The best advice you can follow is just to be creative to stay entertained.