How to Avoid Cabin Fever

Governor John Bel Edwards has issued a stay-at-home order for the state of Louisiana in response to the rapid spread of the coronavirus. Because of this, there doesn’t seem to be much that we can do these days. Teachers, students, and employees were sent home, and many stores are having to close their doors due to the lack of business. Since we have been on lockdown for such a long time, it can be easy to get cabin fever. However, there are ways to beat the irritation of isolation. 

 

One way to escape the stress of cabin fever is to find ways to relax or find little escapes for the mind. Things you can try include: taking a bath, coloring from adult coloring books, and reading a book. When you take a hot bubble bath, it helps relax your body. In addition, you should just focus on breathing while in the tub or, if you need, bring your laptop and watch a sitcom. These little actions help your mind focus on something other than you being stuck in the house. Furthermore, investing in an adult coloring book is an amazing distraction. These coloring books are filled with several different intricate designs that allow you to focus on simply coloring in the lines, instead of everything else going on. Finally, reading a good book is another way to help your mind escape. When you are invested in a story and the events the characters are going through, you forget about what is going on in real life. These activities help clear your mind and help you relax in order to forget that you are in isolation.

Another thing to help with the creeping claustrophobia is to go outside. Taking a walk or going for a drive is an easy way to leave the house without risking your health. The other day I decided to take a walk with my mom, and it allowed me to breathe in some fresh air. I also felt like my body was able to get a little bit of exercise that I was lacking. Going for a drive is another way to get rid of claustrophobia. I have been driving the back roads as if I am traveling to different places. As I listen to my music, I remember my love for driving. All these little adventures help provide a sense of relaxation. 

 

The last thing we need to try to remember to do is to keep in touch with the people around us. We need to try to connect with friends and family to avoid isolation from others. Using zoom, facetime, phone calls, and spending more time with your immediate family are important ways to keep in touch with others. It is important to stay in touch with those you are quarantined with because they could be feeling as isolated as you. A few ways that you can spend time with your immediate family include having a movie night or game night. You can also cook with them and just ask them about their day. These little actions of communication allow you to feel in touch with the world and the people around you.

 

With these tips, you can help fight cabin fever. Being stuck in one place for a long period of time is not an ideal situation for everyone. If you are one of these people who hate isolation remember to find ways to distract yourself or get out of the house.

 

• COVID-19
• quarantine