‘While most of us do still need to work, the time saved on commuting and travelling can be mindfully filled with creative and enjoyable tasks. ‘We all have activities and hobbies that we’ve wanted to try, but somehow haven’t got around to,’ says Dr Arroll. OK, you might feel like curling up on the sofa and binge watching box sets, but resist this urge! This will allow you to use this time in an incredibly positive way, triggering self-development that can potentially enhance your entire future.’ When the social isolation period is finished, take them out and read each in turn, either alone or with loved ones. To meaningfully connect with oneself, write a letter each week to yourself and place these in a personal or family mailbox – sometimes these letters can be profound reflections, other times they may simply include daily observations. When out, mindfully observe five sights, four sounds, three smells and two sensations, while bringing your mind back to one present moment. Try to get some fresh air in the single exercise session that’s currently permitted, as it’s well evidenced that spending time in nature is a balm to the mind. ‘Schedule regular video chats with colleagues during working hours, rather than relying solely on email, and pick up the phone instead of just texting your friends and family.
‘Connect with others, connect with nature and connect with yourself,’ advises Dr Arroll. Photo credit: Getty Grow your connectionsĮven though we are physically distanced from others at present, there are still so many ways to nurture a sense of connection, both with others and with the world around you. Cabin fever coping tipsīut, at a time when it’s important that we stay at home to ensure the safety of those around us, what can be done to help alleviate cabin fever? Dr Arroll suggests the following coping mechanisms… ‘All of the above symptoms are rooted in a sense of isolation from the world, stemming from restricted activities, such as those being imposed at the present time,’ explains Dr Arroll. Sleep issues (including trouble getting to sleep or a desire to nap) These include:Ĭognitive issues (such as problems concentrating) ‘However, it can be viewed as a syndrome.’ Cabin fever symptomsĪccording to Dr Arroll, cabin fever can be characterised by a set of symptoms.
#Ways to cope with cabin fever during coronavirus manual#
‘Cabin fever isn’t included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM–5) and so is not a diagnosable psychological or psychiatric condition,’ reveals Dr Meg Arroll, chartered psychologist on behalf of Healthspan. But is it a real psychological condition? So called because symptoms can appear during extended periods of time spent in a confined indoor space, it can even bring on bouts of depression if left unchecked. If self-isolation has been leaving you feeling claustrophobic, irritable and restless, you may well be suffering from cabin fever.
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