by: Robert Regler
I have always been familiar with the term “cabin fever”, but it was not until recently that I have heard it frequently used. Due to the recent breakout of COVID-19, more people have been self-quarantined to their own homes and practicing social distancing. Even if people wanted to go out, many non-essential businesses have temporarily closed down and soon parks will be closing down for people to visit. Typically, cabin fever is associated with the Winter months due to people being trapped indoors due to the colder weather. However, cabin fever can occur whenever you feel cut off or isolated from the outside world.
A common conception of cabin fever is that it is when people become restless for being indoors for multiple hours at a time. In reality, cabin fever is an influx of negative emotions and feelings of distress when someone is cut off from the outside world. Humans are naturally social creatures and crave to be around one another. Feeling stuck at home can be a base symptom of cabin fever, but others can include (but are not limited to) feelings of restlessness, a decrease in motivation, irritability, difficulty sleeping, and depression. Due to the nature of self-quarantine and social distancing, many people will come to experience these symptoms, however cabin fever is something that can be overcome with the right coping skills.
Something very fortunate for us during this pandemic is that it is not happening during the middle of the Winter months. If that were the case, the days would be shorter, and the elements would be harsher. One very simple way to get over cabin fever is to spend some time outside. Being outside will provide a change of scenery as well as provide the body with some much-needed sunlight. Sunlight can prove to be a great asset during this time due to it elevating your levels of vitamin D. Vitamin D plays a direct role in elevating one’s serotonin levels and that plays a significant role in improving one’s mood. Other than spending some time outside people can try to remain social through phone calls or video chats, pick up a new hobby, or even start exercising. Like any good coping skill, each person will need to figure out what works for them.
While the pandemic has taken many by surprise and disrupted our everyday life, we have to focus on the things we can control. While cabin fever is a real thing, many of us have the ability to avoid it. We may be confined to our own homes, but there are many things we can do to remain active. If you are interested more on this topic or anything similar, the Southwest Council provides free presentations for parents, community members, and schools. If you are interested in having a presentation, please feel free to reach out at (856) 794-1011 or visit us online at www.southwestcouncil.org.
