Beat Cabin Fever with these Useful Tips
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by Ice Artificio
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Jun 18, 2020
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General
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The General Community Quarantine (GCQ) has begun. And for many of us, it is a confusing transition period.
In the beginning of the Enhanced Community Quarantine, we were asked to stay indoors as much as we can. Now in GCQ, we can go out but still shouldn't. See where it gets tricky?
It’s Schrödinger’s Quarantine!
On a more serious note. Some of you may be experiencing an inexplicable return of Cabin Fever.
Now, it may feel a little difficult to come to terms with that feeling. We're given more freedom now, right? You should feel better.
Wrong.
That sense of panic bubbling underneath the surface is a very important feeling you need to address, ESPECIALLY because it is a time where you are both and neither.
Living inside condominiums can feel extra stuffy and claustrophobic. Watch out for these symptoms that may indicate you, your housemate, or family member is experiencing Cabin Fever:
Cabin fever manifests differently and some of these may be an indicator of an underlying disorder. If you are feeling overwhelmed constantly, it may be best addressed by a professional. Many health practitioners are now doing online consultations to accommodate their patients’ needs in the safety of their home.
Now that we’ve tackled the symptoms, what can you do to help alleviate if not completely get rid of cabin fever?
These are difficult times so remember that even those simple things are now more difficult that they normally are.
We hope these tips help you or your family members. Until then, stay strong.
In the beginning of the Enhanced Community Quarantine, we were asked to stay indoors as much as we can. Now in GCQ, we can go out but still shouldn't. See where it gets tricky?
It’s Schrödinger’s Quarantine!
On a more serious note. Some of you may be experiencing an inexplicable return of Cabin Fever.
Now, it may feel a little difficult to come to terms with that feeling. We're given more freedom now, right? You should feel better.
Wrong.
That sense of panic bubbling underneath the surface is a very important feeling you need to address, ESPECIALLY because it is a time where you are both and neither.
Living inside condominiums can feel extra stuffy and claustrophobic. Watch out for these symptoms that may indicate you, your housemate, or family member is experiencing Cabin Fever:
- Excessive sleepiness or insomnia
- Difficulty focusing
- Intense food cravings
- Feeling demotivated
- Heightened anxiety
- Hopelessness
- Irritability
- Impatience
- Feeling sad or depressed persistently
Cabin fever manifests differently and some of these may be an indicator of an underlying disorder. If you are feeling overwhelmed constantly, it may be best addressed by a professional. Many health practitioners are now doing online consultations to accommodate their patients’ needs in the safety of their home.
Now that we’ve tackled the symptoms, what can you do to help alleviate if not completely get rid of cabin fever?
Get Some Sun
It doesn’t necessarily mean go out, especially if you are not allowed to go out. Sit on a window sill that gets some sunshine. This helps restart your circadian rhythm so your body knows when to sleep and to get some Vitamin K. Just be sure to wear SPF and don’t stay too long in direct sunlight.If You Can, Take A Walk. If You Can Do More, Break a Sweat
Walk around your condo, check the amenities, get those legs moving. Getting some outdoor activity, even if it is a few minutes of walk can help de-stress and refresh yourself. If you can get a yoga session in, or run on a treadmill, that’s even better. Some movement can help your brain release endorphins—your feel-good hormones. And we need all of those that we can get.Avoid Blue Light 2 Hours Before Sleeping Time
You already know blue light is bad for your quality of sleep. Cabin fever intensifies that sensitivity to stimulus and your mobile phone or laptop is telling your body that it might be daytime. Put away all sources of blue light or if you are afraid of a pitch-black room, leave a red or warm light instead of cool, white lights.Stick to a Routine and Prepare for Work
One of the biggest things that throw us off, is the loss of constant things we had. The routine that told us it was a weekday or that you are on work mode. It could be the little things such as squeezing in a good work out in the morning, a cup of coffee, or dressing up as if you are headed to the office. If you are now going outside, keep a routine going. If you are still working from home, try to simulate the actions that you do to prepare you to go to work and stop after working hours.Stay in Touch with People You Trust
The last word there is the most important. Just blindly reaching out in social media may be more toxic than helpful. Stay in touch with people you care about. Constantly communicate and get support from people you know will not take advantage of you being honest about your emotions so you can vent without worry.Be Kind to Yourself
It will not be easy. Some days you will struggle to just do one of these things or sometimes even fall off the wagon. Be quick to forgive yourself and try again the next day. Take deep, long breaths, meditate, express yourself through art. You don’t have to be positive all the time as toxic positivity can also hurt.These are difficult times so remember that even those simple things are now more difficult that they normally are.
We hope these tips help you or your family members. Until then, stay strong.
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