Cabin Fever

To manage and treat the occurrence of cabin fever, the first thing that needs to be done is to identify the symptoms and accept the fact that you have cabin fever. Identifying the symptoms in yourself or loved ones can be disturbing, but it’s necessary to do so to be able to cope with the situation. The following are the most common symptoms of cabin fever:

• Restlessness
• Lethargy
• Sadness or depression
• Lack of concentration
• Lack of motivation
• Loss or sudden surge of appetite
• Frequent napping
• Insomnia
• Anxiety 
• Changes in weight, i.e. weight loss or weight gain
• Inability to cope with stress
• Panic attacks
• Feelings of hopelessness, complete isolation or impending doom
  
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It’s very important to remember that cabin fever can be managed and overcome if you take adequate and timely steps to cope. Letting yourself spiral into depression is not the way to deal with cabin fever, whether the underlying cause is a curfew or a pandemic like COVID-19.

Coping with cabin fever becomes easier when you have some support, which, in the case of quarantines during the spread of COVID-19, is comparatively easy because most people have the digital world and the presence of family members (who are isolated as well) which helps. Here are a few steps you can take to cope with cabin fever.

• Maintain a routine: Try to continue life as usual by keeping to your regular routine. Don’t sleep in or let lethargy seep in. Instead, wake up and do everything you did before the quarantine or isolation was implemented. Stick to the same meal timings, leisure hours, sleep and wake times every day. This will instil a sense of normalcy and calm your mind, as most routines do. 
• Exercise: Get enough exercise every day, and maintain the routine daily. Even though you’re confined and your movement is restricted - which means going out for a walk or run, or even going to the gym, is out of the question - make sure you adopt a different form of exercise suited to this environment. Yoga, dancing, aerobics, etc., are activities that can be invigorating as well as exercises which can be done with the family. This will keep you active, fit and healthy.
• Change your diet: Since you’re not stepping out now, your body will need a different type of nutritional intake to stay fit. Eat basic, nutrient-dense foods, and make sure you include fiber, carbohydrates, proteins and healthy fats in your diet. Concentrate on eating healthy and increase your intake of freshly cooked food. While it may not be possible to shop for fresh fruits and vegetables daily, you should eat food which is freshly and properly cooked.
• Take up a hobby: Instead of ruminating about the fact that you cannot step out, take time to engage in activities you never had the time for before. You could also re-engage in a hobby that you’ve left behind. If you have children, involve them in these hobbies to keep them busy as well. This is also a good way to bond with people you’re isolated with.
• Socialise online: With social media platforms active and easily accessible in most parts of the world, it’s now possible to be physically isolated and yet virtually crowded. Connect with old friends, extended family and even meet new people online. However, it’s important to engage only in positive interactions during this time of quarantine, because negative interactions or misinformation can impact your well-being while in isolation.
• Stay updated: Simply because you’re quarantined doesn’t mean you have to be entirely cut off from the rest of the world, especially when it comes to collecting vital information about current affairs. Accessing news and data - especially about the crisis because of which you’re isolated - can help you understand the extent of restrictions and also give you an idea of when the crisis will be over and you’ll be able to step out.
• Get some vitamin D: While you can’t step out of your homes, find out if there’s a way to get some sunlight and ventilation at home. Sit in the balcony or next to the windows for part of the day so your body can make some vitamin D. This is important because vitamin D is required for normal immune function and it helps to elevate your mood. Getting a vitamin D deficiency on top of everything else might not be a good idea during a crisis anyways.