Crawling up the walls yet? Whether you’re on your own or have kids bouncing off those same walls, weeks of isolation and staying home can get to anyone. Social distancing for the greater good is the best thing you can do to help combat the spread of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 disease. However, by now, you probably need some more suggestions about how to combat cabin fever.
Symptoms of cabin fever may include irritability, restlessness, difficulty sleeping, trouble concentrating, and lack of motivation. These are problematic enough on their own, but if you are working from home, they can seriously affect your productivity.
If you’ve already checked the boxes for maintaining a routine, getting some exercise, and trying to stay connected with phone calls and video chats, here are a few more things to try:
Open Mic Living Room
Dust off the old guitar or trombone you haven’t played since your band camp days, and spend some time getting your chops back. Then, organize an online singalong with family and friends, or turn your living room into a family open mic night. If music isn’t your thing, you can still entertain yourself, your partner, and/or your kids by reading aloud, reciting poetry, telling stories, or doing those magic tricks you learned in middle school.
Prepare a Picnic
If you have a patio or a backyard, you have a picnic site for yourself and anyone else who lives with you in your home (no outside guests). Do the whole thing with a blanket on the ground or a checked tablecloth, a basket, and some wine and cheese for the adults. Break out the Frisbees, the ancient croquet set from your grandparent’s house, or the ball and mitt for some catch. At least you’ll be outside, beyond the four walls of that “cabin” that causing your malaise.
Take a Drive
When was the last time you even thought about your car? It turns out cars can get a sort of cabin fever, too, from sitting around undriven for too long. Aside from furtive, fast, and masked trips to the grocery store, how about just taking a nice drive down a country lane? Some parks and preserves may be open for socially distant walks, hikes, or bike rides, but it isn’t necessary to even get out of the car. Just take in some real scenery that’s different from the pictures hanging on your living room wall.
There are many ways to combat cabin fever. Creative minds can find new and fun contact-free activities for the duration of social distancing requirements.
