You’ve been stuck inside for days … weeks … years? Time can seem meaningless in the age of COVID-19 and sheltering in place. And the term “cabin fever” sounds altogether too quaint to describe your serious case of stir-craziness.
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You’re not alone. “Across the globe, people are self-isolating to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus,” says clinical psychologist Scott Bea, PsyD. “It can help to remember that literally billions of other people are in the same boat.”
If that doesn’t take the edge off, Dr. Bea offers these tips might help relieve some of your pent-up cabin fever.
No, it probably won’t look exactly like your pre-coronavirus routine (especially if you’re now pulling double-duty as a work-from-home parent). But Dr. Bea says consistent routines can ease anxiety and help shush the nagging voice in your head that keeps whispering, “What am I going to do?!?”
Add these healthy habits to your regular schedule:
Novelty is the opposite of boredom, Dr. Bea notes. Try something totally original — or just do the regular things in fresh new ways.
Loneliness and social isolation contribute to mental and physical health problems, from depression and sleep troubles to heart problems and dementia, Dr. Bea says. But you don’t have to be shoulder-to-shoulder with someone to reap the benefits of connection.
In the age of social distancing, use virtual connections to fill the gap:
There’s a lot of overlap between cabin fever and an anxious, racing brain. Find soothing ways to peace out:
Days at home can feel aimless, Dr. Bea acknowledges. But solving a problem or meeting a professional challenge can give you a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction:
Some of these tips — like eating right, exercising, getting enough sleep, staying connected — are good for all of us. But, Dr. Bea says not everyone needs to stay super-busy to avoid going stir-crazy. Some of us are already stretched thin. (“I’m supposed to find time to learn Mandarin while working, home-schooling and feeding everyone all day??”)
“There’s no shame in curling up with a good book or just going to bed an hour earlier,” Dr. Bea says. “After all, there is no blueprint for this. We’re all making it up as we go, so find the cabin-fever strategies that work for you.”
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