Being isolated during this last 10 months has not been as easy on our family. If you are experiencing cabin fever because of social distancing or self-quarantine in the wake of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, you may be feeling additional stress beyond that which stems from simply being isolated. I like to let you know that You are not alone. Across the globe, people are self-isolating to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus. Keep in mind that literally billions of other people are in the same boat.
So, what is to do?
Not everyone suffering from cabin fever will experience the same symptoms, but many people report feeling intensely irritable or restless. Other commonly experienced effects are, Decreased motivation, Difficulty waking, Food cravings, Frequent napping, Hopelessness, Lack of patience, Lethargy, Sadness or depression and Trouble concentrating. Try the following to potentially reduce the feeling of isolation:
Eat nutritious meals: Neglecting nutrition will only leave you feeling sluggish. So, enjoy comfort food in moderation.
Exercise: I just signed up with Peloton to relieve my stress. Regular activity can improve stress, depression and anxiety and help you sleep more soundly.
Sleep Time– Try to go to bed and wake up at your usual time. Minimize naps, which can make it harder to get a full night’s sleep.
Have a picnic: Take your family, pack up some favorite food and spread a blanket in your yard or living room.
Learn a new skill: Sign up for an online class, learn a new language or teach yourself how to play a guitar. The options are almost endless.
Connect with Others – Loneliness and social isolation contribute to mental and physical health problems, from depression and sleep troubles to heart problems and dementia. Use Zoom to connect with others including people whom you have not spoken with for a while.
Write letters: We all are so used to texting, however get your fanciest stationery and write a letter to someone you love assuming you still remember how to write in cursive.
Open up: Be honest to share your worries and fears with your loved ones. That will bring you and make your relationship stronger.
Meditation: Try it. It would reduce stress and anxiety and even improve your attention span.
You need alone time – Being at home with others, constant togetherness, might increase your anxiety. Wake up early in the morning and go for a walk.
Tackle a Project – There is no better time than now to do that project you have been wanting to do. Checking off your to-do list is a great feeling.
Read a book: Too much TV, especially these days, can be very stressful. This is a great way to relax.
It is important to take this situation seriously and face the necessity of being stuck indoors with ‘cabin fever. There is no shame in curling up with a good book or just going to bed an hour earlier. We are all making it up as we go, so find the cabin-fever strategies that work for you.
