By now, most of the entire world has been practicing self-quarantine and social distancing. As of April 3, the COVID-19 pandemic has infected over one million people. The death toll is just as astonishing; over 56,000.
While the state of Oklahoma claims over 1,600 of the positive cases and 80 deaths (as of April 9), most communities are cracking down on the stay-at-home order. Some residents began their self-isolation weeks ago. With the number of cases increasing as the world reaches what seems to be the apex of the virus, it does not seem like the stay-at-home order will be lifted anytime in the near future.
Many times, staying inside for an extended period of time invites the dreaded old enemy; cabin fever.
What exactly is cabin fever?
In a normal situation, cabin fever is defined as “irritability, listlessness, and similar symptoms resulting from long confinement or isolation indoors during the winter.” However, for anybody paying attention, the pandemic and stay-at-home orders are anything but normal.
In a world of movers and shakers who typically spend more time away from their homes than they do in them, the self-isolation will probably bring on severe symptoms of cabin fever. While most people will not likely experience all of these symptoms, cabin fever can lead to restlessness, lethargy, sadness or depression, trouble concentrating, lack of patience, food cravings, decreased motivation, social isolation, difficulty waking, frequent napping, hopelessness, changes in weight or inability to cope with stress.
Even though some cases of cabin fever can be extreme and must be treated by a therapist or trained mental health professional, most cases are typically mild and can be eased by doing simple things.
First and foremost, get out of the house. If the one suffering from cabin fever can, go outside. Take a walk, work in the garden, anything to be outside. Exercise releases endorphins and creates a natural high, and the exposure from the sun helps regulate the body’s natural cycles.
Keep up with normal eating patterns. Many times, people stuck at home typically overindulge in junk food. Sometimes, they just overindulge in food, period. It is a normal thing to be bored and standing at the refrigerator trying to find something to eat 20 minutes after eating lunch.
Eating right increases energy levels and boosts motivations.
It might be a good idea to set goals. While being stuck inside it might be tempting to do nothing but watch the seconds tick by. However, setting daily and weekly goals might be the perfect way to keep the day from going off track. Be sure the goals are reasonable and has a reward at the end of it.
Avoiding too much television time, and exercising your brain could also be good way to stave off cabin fever. Doing things like crossword puzzles, reading books or playing board games stimulates the mind and keeps it active. This can produce feelings of happiness.
Exercising and finding ways to stay physically active can also help with the cabin fever blues. The exercise can be indoor or outdoor. Either way, it helps burn off the extra energy that is typically associated with staying inside too long.
Even though it is unsure just how long this pandemic is going to force the population to stay inside and practice social distancing, these few steps can keep you from getting the dreaded cabin fever. Just remember, stay active, but stay safe.