How do you cure cabin fever?

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Permalink Reply by Matt Zentz on February 21, 2009 at 10:25am

Don't fear the cold. Just get outside. This does two things:

1) you get out of the cabin and get a little exercise picking up sticks in the yard, hiking at a local park, and help release the crazies from your kids (if you have any).
2) once you get back inside, you appreciate the modern creature comforts we so often take for granted, especially warmth.

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Permalink Reply by Raquel Richardson on February 21, 2009 at 11:21am

I'm a born and raised Hoosier but I hate that we have this "inside in the winter" mentality. Many people talk about how they just love our seasons - but they are completely missing one! Get outside! They make clothes that keep you warm! A brisk walk in the winter is really good medicine.... head to the library, get a coffee, or take your dogs on a spin. They love this time of year too. There are SO many things to do all year long, let's not tag our state as stuck inside for a few months just becasue the temps drop.

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Permalink Reply by David Mark on February 21, 2009 at 11:41am

Cabin Fever? What's that? :P I get it. It's easy to be lazy and use the cold as an excuse not to leave the comfort of your home. I admit I've done it (hmmm, do it), but I don't let it lasso me to the point where I'm feeling disconnected and "feverish". Based on my exprience, those who are active never experience cabin fever. What I mean by active is actually proactive - those with a conscious decision and objective to make things happen (excercising, participating vs. spectating, competing, camaraderie, travelling....). We're all "active", but those who are passively active are more likely to experience a numb buttocks, boredom, frustration, weight gain and maybe even bed sores (now that's lazy!).

In my humble opinion, cabin fever is nothing more than feedback hinting you need more inspiration in your life. Over the top? I don't think so. Get an away-from-home hobby, meet a friend, run (it worked for Forrest Gump), just do something even if it doesn't make sense - especially if it doesn't make sense!

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Permalink Reply by Eric Froehlke on February 21, 2009 at 11:45am

I'm all for going outside, but when it's snowy / rainy / icy like it is today, I don't think anybody wants to be running around outside unless they are forced to do so. There are several indoor activities that take away the feeling of being "stuck inside".

1) Dance Dance Revolution - I discovered this a few years back. While I'll probably never approach being as good at is as the average 8 year old, I still find it quite entertaining. Not only are games such as these good for coordination, they also do a very good job of getting your heart rate up which gives you the added benefit of hidden exercise while you have fun.

2) Read - Whether you are reading for pleasure or reading for knowledge (or a bit of both), it is probably much better time spent than just mindlessly turning on the TV. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy TV as much as the next guy (especially if the Cubs are on), but I think that breaking cabin fever requires doing something a bit more active. Save the TV for when there is something you are really INTERESTED in watching as opposed to just channel surfing.

3) Cards / Board Games / Puzzles - If you've got others who are stuck inside with you, why not engage in some form of interactive exercise? Rather than have everyone moping around, you can spend some quality time talking with each other. Plus, who doesn't relish having some stories later in life about all the fights that happened because of family game time? :)

4) Finish that project - We all know you've got one...that thing you were going to do when you found the time. Well, today is the day. You're stuck inside. Go clean the basement, fix the sink, paint the room, etc. If you are like me and still wish to find reasons not to engage in behavior such as this, refer to suggestions 1-3. :)

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Permalink Reply by Brandon Sobotka on February 21, 2009 at 12:34pm

I agree...What's cabin fever? Some things that keep me from cabin fever...I hit the gym about 4/wk. Not only is it a great stress reliever, but the endorphin rush is great and it gives me more energy after my long and draining day. If you're not big on the workout part, then go there for the social atmosphere. The majority of people at the gym would rather talk the workout. No offense to anyone, but it's true.

I enjoy reading, but instead of reading the book at home take it to your local book store or library and look for a couple others that interest you. Most bookstores have a cafe' and little reading areas. I promise once you look around you'll probably find about a half-dozen books you want to read. NO JOKE!

Play in the snow, if it comes back. We take for granted how fun it was to be a kid. I went out by myself and made some snow angels, shoveled the snow and a couple of neighbors driveways, threw some snow balls and even went sledding with some friends. Sooooooo much fun!

If you are going to stay in, invite friends for a movie night or the game of the week. I was having a Monday night football night every week. I since have had friends over for a movie, the Superbowl, the "terrible" Daytona 500, etc. The most popular other than the Superbowl was my own personal wine tasting. BIG HIT!!!! Invite 20-25 of your closest friends and their spouses, significant others, or their close friends and tell them to bring their fave wine and a side item they enjoy with wine. Put the music on, try varieties of wine and snacks, and enjoy great conversation with your closest friends and family. Like I said, BIG HIT!!!!

My close friend does almost all of his in-home projects during the winter season. His home looks awesome!!! I've never heard him complain about cabin fever either. Try it.

Good Luck!!!

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Permalink Reply by Bill Silva on February 21, 2009 at 9:52pm

If you really want to know of a way to help SADS, I have some answers without medication. I helped some members of my family and also have worked with some Psychiatrists for people who are depressed and have no energy.

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Permalink Reply by Erik Deckers on February 22, 2009 at 12:01am

I'm never in my house for extended periods of time, so I don't get cabin fever. I get bored with the winter though. It may be that I'm getting older, but I haven't enjoyed winter the way I did a few years ago.

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Permalink Reply by Chris Horn on February 23, 2009 at 8:07am

I try to hit the driving range at least once every other week. With heated stalls over at Riverside Golf Academy, so long as it isnt too windy its not too cold. Get a little bit of outside time, some exercise, and a chance to breath some fresh air.

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Permalink Reply by Ashley Howell on March 3, 2009 at 3:08pm

I pack it up and head off to Chicago for the weekend- Get a change of scenery!

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