28 Jan 7 Tips to Conquering Cabin Fever
Feeling irritable, bored, or restless lately? You may have Cabin Fever.
Cabin fever is a term people use to describe their claustrophobia from remaining indoors or being confined to a certain space for a length of time. It can often occur during the winter months as the cold temperatures prevent people from venturing out much.
Symptoms may vary from person to person, but common symptoms may include:
- Lack of energy motivation
- Inability to focus
- Feeling sad or depressed
- Social isolation
- Feeling hopeless
- Weight loss or gain
- Trouble coping with stress
- Feeling tired
- Feeling impatient
- Trouble waking up
- Frequent napping
Although cabin fever is not fatal, it can lead to feelings of anxiety and depression if not properly treated.
Those who are at a higher risk for experiencing symptoms relating to Cabin fever are those who work from home, or are homemakers.
If you find yourself experiencing some of these symptoms, relax. Research has shown that you can overcome cabin fever through a variety of ways including getting out into nature, and getting some sunshine. Treating your cabin fever will lead to enhanced brain functioning, a more positive outlook, and an overall feeling of good health.
You don’t need to freeze outside to help treat your symptoms, though. Check out some of these other ideas to help give you some relief:
1. Be Active
Research has shown that physical exercise improves mental health by reducing anxiety, depression, and negative mood and by improving self-esteem and cognitive function. Exercise has also been found to alleviate symptoms such as low self-esteem and social withdrawal. Join a group fitness class or do some home exercise programs to start getting more active.
2. Schedule an Outing
Getting out with friends is a great way to lift your spirits and help you feel alive again. Schedule a Girls Night Out (GNO), host a social gathering, or set up/join a local mom’s playgroup. Scheduling an outing will give you something to look forward to and something to prepare for.
3. Try something new and different
Sometimes experiencing something out of our normal, mundane routines can be exhilarating and refreshing. Don’t let fear prevent you from trying something new and different. Try rock climbing at a gym, go ice skating at an indoor rink, or go try the new restaurant in town.
4. Get Organized
Getting your house and life in order is a great way to clear your mind and help alleviate stress. Research has shown that people with clean and organized homes are more likely to have lower levels of stress and depression than those whose homes are cluttered, and are better able to focus on tasks.
5. Eat the Right Foods
Eating a poor diet results in fatigue and lack of motivation. However, eating the right foods (those packed with energy) can do the opposite and boost your energy levels. Some energy-boosting foods include: pineapple, bananas, dark chocolate, oatmeal, yogurt, avocados, oranges, strawberries, beans, leafy greens, fatty fish, eggs, and seeds. Fortunately Jolly Llama’s Pops offer a variety of flavors including many of these high-energy foods.
6. Volunteer/Serve
Look for opportunities to serve or volunteer in your community. Volunteering at a local school, shelter, or charitable organization is a great way to get out of the house and focus on other people. The distraction from your normal environment will be good for you, and you’ll more than likely leave with a more positive mood.
7. Take a Trip
If it seems like you’ve tried just about everything, you might want to consider a vacation away from home for a short time. Give yourself a nice break and get some Vitamin D sunshine from an area with a warmer climate. There’s nothing wrong with getting recharged somewhere else. Sometimes, even a day-trip or stay-cation can help be of benefit.
Cabin fever can be serious, but following these tips can help you conquer it. At Jolly Llama, we care about our customers and their well-being. This is why we’ve developed a product that will make you smile, and won’t hurt your health. Our Sorbet and Cream Pops are loaded with flavor and real fruit. Indulge in one without the overwhelming feelings of guilt take over. Grab your favorite flavor today by shopping at your nearest carrying-grocer.
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