by Ryan Raplee

Many people get the winter blues when they are cooped up in the house during colder months. However, there are ways to resolve these feelings.

 

What Is Cabin Fever?

Cabin fever refers to feelings of listlessness and irritability that often occur from being confined indoors for long periods of time. It is common in the winter. Cabin fever is more than just restlessness. It can have adverse effects on mental health.

Symptoms of cabin fever include:
»Boredom
»Isolation
»Short temper
»Depression
»Irritability

Some doctors call this condition Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD),which is often used interchangeably with cabin fever. Others call it the “winter blues.” A person doesn’t have to be severely depressed to experience cabin fever. However, mental health decline can progress as the winter months wear on.

What Causes Cabin Fever?

To avoid cabin fever, it is crucial to know what causes it. In most cases, it results from a combination of things, including, but not limited to:
»Inability to leave the house as frequently as normal
»Failure to do everyday activities
»Difficulty maintaining exercise routines
»Lack of sunlight resulting in decreased vitamin D
»Darker home due to cloudy days
»Isolation from friends and outside community
»Lack of interaction with nature
»Inconsistent sleep schedule due to other life changes
»Changes in the diet due to different foods in stores
»Colder temperatures outside and indoors

10 Ways to Prevent Cabin Fever

Having snow and ice on the ground can make it difficult to get out of the house. However, it is possible to transform one’s home to prevent cabin fever.

  1. Create a Space to Move-The lack of exercise during colder months is part of the problem that causes a build-up of emotions during the winter. There are ways to support healthy activity at home. A corner of an office, living room or other free space can make a great small gym. There are many low-cost options for creating a home gym.
  2. Bring Nature Inside-Researchers indicate that as few as 20 minutes in nature can relieve stress. Since it may be challenging to get outside when it’s cold, one solution is to bring nature indoors. There are wide varieties of indoor houseplants that can brighten up the home and purify the air. Taking care of a plant also creates a sense of purpose to help relieve depression.
  3. Incorporate More Light and Bright Colors into Home Décor-Winter can be dreary and gray. Make springtime any time with brighter bulbs and colorful décor. White light bulbs can add more brightness than others. A quick coat of paint or room accessories can bring new life into a living space.
  4. Spend time in the Yard-There are sunny days even in the winter. When the sun comes out, take advantage of it. Go outside and shovel the walkway or build a snowman. Getting some vitamin D directly from the sun can really boost a person’s mood.
  5. Complete a Project-Everyone has unfinished projects sitting around their home. Tackling an unfinished project is a great way to stay occupied during cold months and creates a sense of accomplishment.
  6. Winterize The Home Early-Before winter even hits is the time to prepare a house for the cold weather. That will allow families to stay warm and cozy. Check windows and doors for drafts and install heavier window curtains to block out the chill.
  7. Create a Home Entertainment Area-One of the main things people miss during winter is interaction with friends and family. Creating a welcoming entertainment areacan attract visitors.
  8. Create a Comfortable Bedroom-Winter disrupts sleeping patterns. Relaxing colors and soft décor can help the body relax and prepare for sleep.
  9. Start a New Hobby-Many people succumb to cabin fever because they have little todo while indoors all the time. However, there are many fun hobbies for the winter months, like sewing, playing board games and crafts.
  10. Go On a Vacation-Those who cannot tolerate any more cold weather may benefit from a vacation to a warmer place. Start looking for deals at least six to eight weeks before you plan on traveling and get the most out of your trip.

Cabin Fever is Avoidable

While many people experience cabin fever during cold months, there are ways to avoid it. New perspectives and actions can help cabin fever sufferers feel better throughout the year.