5 Ways to Counteract Cabin Fever

Cabin Fever, it’s always been a real thing to those of us who are extroverts (energized by people), but I am guessing even our introverted friends (energized by stuff) may be reaching an “isolation saturation” point. I know I am! This season of social isolation is creating a higher capacity for Cabin Fever than ever before. As a result we are seeing an adverse impact on emotional well being, organizational productivity and relationships, both personal and professional.

Cabin Fever is a term for a relatively common reaction to being isolated in a building for a period of time. This reaction can also manifest in a variety of different behaviors, emotions and physical and psychological symptoms like;

  • Emotional shifts from optimism to sadness

  • Restlessness and anxiety

  • Trouble concentrating and less patience

  • Food cravings

  • Decreased motivation and uncertainty

  • Difficulty coping with stress

We all have a hard-wired need for what is called emotional regulation, which is the ability to respond to the ongoing demands and experiences of everyday life in a way that is sufficiently flexible. However, when things are out of kilter how we respond to those things may not be our best and arguably our emotions begin driving the bus or worse, take us hostage. You know what I am talking about; that reaction you had that was way over the top, not normally you, or you just lost it and said the first thing that came into your head.

Note that these symptoms may also be indicative of a wide range of other disorders, and like any mental health condition, are best treated with the assistance of a therapist or trained mental health professional. However, if your symptoms are relatively mild, taking active steps to combat your feelings may be enough to help you feel better.

I think it is safe to say, we all have had moments like this and Cabin Fever seems to be the perfect incubator for them. So here’s the question; “What can we do to be intentional about neutralizing Cabin Fever and have some fun while we are doing it?

Here are my top ways to counteract Cabin Fever:

1.      “I SPY” walks in your neighborhood

Remember the game we played in the car as a family on those LONG drives (and even longer if you were in the middle seat between your siblings) that someone said; “I spy with my little eye something that is blue”. Then we all tried to guess what it was that the person saw. Our family being pretty competitive, kept score and the winner got a chocolate bar! Not only can this help you have some fun while getting out of the house, but it can also keep your mind sharp.

2.      The book everyone tells you, you should write

Have you ever had anyone say to you; “You really should write about…….” I know I have and thought it was a good idea but there has always been a “but.” But I don’t have the time or know where to start. Am I reading anybody’s mail? Probably, so let’s get the objections out of the way; you now have the time and here are 2 steps to start:

  1. Based on the type of book you want to write, answer these questions:

  • Your story: how has your story changed your life and how will it change the lives of others?

  • A novel: what is the book about and why is it important to others?

  • An autobiography: who are you passionate about writing about and why?

2. Start gathering your background information:

  • Your story: create a physical timeline – from birth to now and start dropping in all your memories/stories and experiences

  • A novel: create a story line of events, characters and features

  • An autobiography: compile the events/stories/characters that fueled your passion for the person.

3.      The hobby that can still keep giving.

Think back as a kid what hobbies did you “grow out of”? I enjoyed building model cars, jigsaw puzzles with my Mom, making ships in a bottle, drawing caricatures, and marble boards. What about you? Here are some places to pick up that hobby again:

Studies have shown that having a side hobby can actually help our brain be more creative, innovative and function at a more productive rate.

4.      Face to Face Fun - in person or online

We played a lot of board and card games as a family and there were two that always generated the most laughter and both are perfect for an online video meeting platform:

Pig – a version of “spoons” that involved passing a card to the person on your right and the first person to get 4 of a kind says nothing but put there finger up beside their nose. The last person to do so is either out or loses a life. https://www.pagat.com/passing/pig.html

Blind Man’s Bluff - a version of poker that is unconventional in that each person sees the cards of all players except their own. The standard version is simply high card wins. Each player is dealt one card that they display to all other players (traditionally stuck to the forehead facing outwards) This is followed by a round of betting. Players attempt to guess if they have the highest card based on the distribution of visible cards and how other players are betting. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blind_man's_bluff_(poker)

5.      What’s in your CFBB - Cabin Fever Buster Box?

In these times of uncertainty and change it is good to have a couple of go to actions that help give us have less uncertainty and successfully manage change. Having some routine to your day can help significantly manage stress and motivation while working remotely. In my article on LinkedIn “9 Tips for having a productive remote work day” we talk about having a “Break Box”, that helps you have an intentional break. Your CFFB is similar; a box of “stuff” that can help you head off that Cabin Fever feeling!

What could it include, well that’s up to you, mine has a Yo-yo, Mars bar, Sudoku puzzle book, a daily thought book by Tony Dungy, a Kinder surprise, a page of my favorite quotes; mine and other peoples. Black licorice, drum-sticks, markers and coloring book. What’s in your Cabin Fever Buster Box?

So Cabin Fever, it’s real and with a little creativity and engagement it can be minimized for sure. I have a favorite saying; “Your system is perfectly designed to achieve the results you are getting.” So what’s in your system for Cabin Fever? Have fun and let me know how this has helped.

How can we help you and your team and your organization be stronger and better together?

For those leaders who are serious about growth and making a positive impact in their spheres and would like some help with that, you can reach out to Michael Walker for a complimentary 45minute coaching conversation. You can reach Coach Mike at michael@capstonecoaching.ca We look forward to helping you achieve your desired success!

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michael walker