“Cabin Fever” in November, who’d have thought?

Photo by Antranias on www.pixabay.com

Finding Ways to Cope

Well if I didn’t feel it in April, I’m sure feeling it in November.  How about you?

Sure, it would be better if “Cabin Fever” waited well into winter instead of fall, but if it keeps me and the people I love safe during this pandemic it will be well worth it.

According to en.wikipedia.org, “Cabin fever refers to the distressing claustrophobic irritability or restlessness experienced when a person, or group, is stuck at an isolated location or in confined quarters for an extended time.” 

Some of the things that have helped alleviate this feeling are:

Family and Friends

Spending time with family and friends either on ZOOM or over the phone has been beneficial.  It gives us a chance to see and hear how each of us is doing.  We seem to be more diligent about this now than we ever have.  I'm grateful for family and friends, they fuel my soul.

Learn a new skill  

Photo by FelixMittermeier on www.pixabay.com

Jim and I just started watching a show called “The Queen’s Gambit” about a young woman who is gifted when it comes to the game of chess.  During the last episode, I discovered that you can resign when playing, if there are a lot of moves left, and you know you can’t win.  I’ve played Stratego in the past and been on the receiving end of a slow loss and like the idea of not experiencing that again.  This game of chess could be enjoyable. We’ve order an inexpensive chess set and have started learning about the pieces and how they move.  This will take effort, since my mind tends to see things in reverse, but  I'm looking forward to the challenge.

Exercise

It doesn’t take as much effort as you might think to get 7,000 steps (about 3 miles) a day. Weather permitting, getting outside and taking a walk is a great mood lifter. We’re fortunate to live in an area where it’s easy to walk a mile. The hills in our neighborhood are an added bonus. Another way I can get several steps in is by walking around the house during a phone call.  We have both an exercise bike and a treadmill in our home which get a lot of use. When it comes to exercise equipment, we’ve found it more convenient to exercise at home verses a gym.  

Movie Night

Friday night is movie night. With both of us working from home at the moment it’s important to put the jobs aside and spend time together.  During this together time, we've enjoyed some lesser known films like, “The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind” on Netflix.   We’re looking forward to streaming Christmas specials.

Photo by Cal Shook

Sunsets

We have some of the most beautiful sunsets right out our front facing windows.  I make an effort to remember, as the sun is going down, to walk over and take a few minutes to savor it.  Instant peace comes over me when I do. 

What are you doing to combat “Cabin Fever”?  Please let me know, by making a comment below.