If you’re like me, then winter seems to be the most difficult time of year to focus on the good things in life. Daylight is shorter, the weather is freezing cold, and staying inside seems like the best decision. Actually, the temperature has been below freezing every day here for the past three months. Finally, this last week we had a break from freezing temperatures, and it lessened the cabin fever I have been experiencing as of late.
Josh Klapow, a clinical psychologist with a PhD at the school of public health at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, says that cabin fever is your mind’s way of telling you that the environment you are in is less than optimal for normal functioning; It’s when you’re in a space of restricted freedom for a period of time that you can no longer tolerate.
Cabin fever isn’t just a figment of your imagination; it’s a very real thing. And for some reason this winter has been one of the worst in recent memory. The good news is that I’ve found a few ways to fight cabin fever, and here they are:
First, keep your routine.
The natural response to overcast skies in the morning and colder temperatures is to stay in bed longer. I mean, this seems like the best thing to do, right? But I have found that if I stick with my daily routine year-round, I am left feeling much better than when I don’t stick to my routine, and the same idea applies to you.
Second, bring the outside in.
I love fresh flowers. Who doesn’t? This is the first winter that I’ve tried keeping fresh flowers in the house, and it has worked wonders. They smell great, they make me happy, and they also make me feel like I am in the outdoors. Plants of any kind can help with cabin fever, so maybe it’s time to bring the outside in?
Third, don’t forget they importance of exercise, light, and supplements.
The problem with it being cold outside is that people can’t stay outside for an extended period of time. This leaves most going to the gym, and while it fills the exercise need, it doesn’t give them the Vitamin D they need. People still need to get outside, but without having this option available, taking Vitamin D in pill form or trying light therapy become your best and only options. The trick is realizing if and when you need to try these things.
So, if cabin fever has hit you hard this winter, it’s time to try something different. In many parts of the world, winter is too long to be miserable the entire season. You can fight the winter blues by using these tips, and get back to producing your very best work. Who knows? You may find that you’re feeling great, and you can use the extra time indoors to start a new project, or finish that one thing you’ve been putting off for months.
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