It is that time of year when the days are shorter, and it gets dark earlier. This can be tricky for some individuals who enjoy spending time outside or love to see the sun shining. The term “cabin fever” is used to describe feelings of restlessness, isolation, and boredom because you have been stuck inside for several days. When the days are shorter, many people experience symptoms of cabin fever.
This is not recognized as a psychological disorder. However, that does not mean that the symptoms are not real. The stress is real, and it can be difficult to navigate daily tasks. This article will examine the causes of cabin fever and healthy ways to overcome it to be your best self.
What Is Cabin Fever?
Have you ever felt disconnected from others? Perhaps you felt this way when the world shut down due to the pandemic. You may have been one of the millions of people who struggled with isolation and a sense of not belonging. As humans, we must have social connections with others. The feelings of loneliness and isolation can play a significant role in how you feel about yourself and can put you at risk for health issues.
Cabin fever goes beyond feeling “stuck” or feeling bored. Cabin fever is rooted in an intense feeling of isolation and can be debilitating to find the energy to complete daily tasks. Research reports that cabin fever is a “folk syndrome” that combines anxiety, restlessness, irritability, moodiness, boredom, depression, or feelings of dissatisfaction in response to confinement. Cabin fever can present difficult-to-manage symptoms if a person doesn’t have healthy coping skills.
What Causes Cabin Fever?
There is an array of contributing factors that can cause cabin fever. Many humans do not get enough social interaction. This can cause the brain to think negative thoughts and be in an unhealthy space.
Ultimately, human connection makes your days enjoyable. When you isolate, you lack social connection. Combined with shorter days, you can experience cabin fever. It may not be an official diagnosis, but the symptoms are very real and can cause distress.
Fortunately, healthy coping skills can ease the symptoms of cabin fever. If you or someone you know is struggling, read on for ways to combat cabin fever.
Establish a Routine
Consistency is important when establishing a routine. When a routine is not established, it can lead to increased stress, feeling overwhelmed, and anxiety. Routines help with organization in your life. They help you feel less stressed about the tasks you have to do that day. In addition, having a routine can cause you to feel a sense of accomplishment when you complete a task.
Routines should be easy to follow and work for you. Perhaps you will pick something fun to add to your routine. For example, maybe you wake up, put music on, and dance. Whatever you choose, make sure it works for you.
Sometimes, you may feel discouraged about your routine. That is okay, as it means that your routine is not working for you. This is a step in the right direction, as it lets you know that you should change your routine.
Yoga and Meditation to Combat Cabin Fever
Yoga can benefit you no matter where you are in your recovery or feelings of cabin fever. It can help you to stay centered and concentrate on your breathing rhythms. You experience many benefits when practicing yoga. For example, yoga can lead to decreased stress, a sense of calm, and an improved mood, all of which can decrease symptoms of cabin fever.
Meditation teaches our bodies to relax and enjoy the moment. It centers and creates peace within yourself in a world where being busy is second nature. From a holistic point of view, you can never go wrong with adding yoga and meditation into your daily routine. If you want to add a sense of balance and awareness, try incorporating the five senses when practicing yoga. Just five minutes of yoga a day can decrease cabin fever.
Connection Is Important
Healthy connections are important to your well-being no matter where you are in your recovery journey. Connecting to others is especially important when experiencing symptoms of cabin fever. It is easy to get caught up in the demands of life. However, all it takes is ten seconds to send a text or reach out to a friend on social media.
Connecting to others is essential at this time of your life. Human connection is an important aspect of self-care and can be viewed as a relapse prevention skill. Understanding what you need and want within a connection is essential for your overall recovery.
Understand Your Discomfort in Cabin Fever
Taking time to explore the root of your cabin fever may be necessary to address your feelings. It is okay to feel uncomfortable and to discuss your discomfort with others. Sometimes, being uncomfortable can bring you a better understanding of yourself.
It is hard to be uncomfortable because most people tend to want everything to be figured out. Sometimes you may struggle with asking for help or being vulnerable. However, it has been said that if you are not uncomfortable, growth cannot occur. So, today is your day to explore your discomfort and understand the root of your cabin fever.
Showing up and meeting yourself in the space that you are in is the first step to getting help. However, describing your feelings and being vulnerable in the moment can be scary and uncomfortable. You may feel restless and think that you are the problem when it may be “cabin fever.” Although this term is not a formal diagnosis, the symptoms are real. Luckily, you have control over your recovery and can move in the direction you want. At The Guest House, we understand that healing does not occur with a one-size-fits-all treatment. We will meet you where you are and provide a welcome that will touch your heart. Give us a call today at (855) 483-7800.