Wisconsinites are proud to belong in the “frozen tundra.” But when those sub-zero temps keep you inside for a long winter, they can impact your mood. From remote workers to the elderly and housebound facing isolation, the walls start to feel a little too close for comfort.
This hidden mental toll is known as “cabin fever”. However, there are ways to stay connected when the world outside is in a deep freeze. Therapist, Cynthie Christensen, focuses on rural mental health. She says cabin fever is common, but there are ways to fend it off.
How to avoid cabin fever
learn the difference between cabin fever and depression
Cabin fever is a term that describes certain symptoms and is seasonal. Oftentimes, getting outside on a sunny day can increase your mood.
- Loneliness
- Isolation
- Irritability
- Decreased motivation and energy from being indoors.
Depression is more severe and long-lasting with chronic symptoms – a sunny day isn’t going to get you out of bed. Depression is a medical illness.
Establish a routine
When it comes to tackling cabin fever, make a list of five things you do every day, no matter how you feel. For example:
- Take a shower
- Brush your teeth
- Get dressed
- Make the bed
- Eat breakfast
If you focus on accomplishing those five tasks, it spikes your mood and sets you on a good mental path. For people who are struggling, these seemingly simple steps can be a big deal. So, the simpler the checklist, the more doable it is. It keeps you leaning into the good of accomplishment instead of digging your hole deeper with impossible tasks or too long a list.
“What we do, what we think, and how we feel are all tied together,” Cynthie says. If you feel like you’re not doing enough, it makes you feel bad.
Along these same lines, it’s advised to look at your sleep schedule. Part of your daily checklist of five items might be setting up a wake time and/or bedtime at reasonable hours to optimize your circadian rhythm.
Have something to look forward to
“Spring break” doesn’t have to be a luxury getaway. Often, simply putting a social event on the calendar is enough to lift your spirits. Whether you’re hosting a virtual game night, visiting a local coffee shop, going to church, or planning a more elaborate outing (in or out of Wisconsin), the act of anticipation is a proven mood booster.
Audit your technology use
While technology can be a tool for connection, there are side effects.
Doomscrolling, for example, is obsessively scrolling through, reading, or watching social media feeds where content is endless. It can cause increased stress and anxiety as oftentimes people are comparing themselves to others they see online, fueling negative thoughts.
Instead, find distraction in reading, puzzles, or hobbies that you don’t get to when you’re busy in the spring or summer. These activities are mentally stimulating and can be socially connecting if you get your family involved.
Housework can be overwhelming, but it can also be a positive distraction. Consider setting a timer for 10 minutes to knock out the dishes or fold laundry. Dedicating very small segments of time to these tasks makes it less overwhelming, and you’d be surprised at what can get done in 10 minutes.
Get outside
Stepping outside, even in the Wisconsin cold, has countless benefits including reducing stress, boosting your immune system, and increasing your energy. Even if it’s for a short period of time, taking in natural vitamin D can improve your cognitive function. When you do come back inside, it then brings a sense of relief. The physical shift fosters a more grateful mindset. Suddenly, your home doesn’t feel like a place you’re stuck and starts feeling like the haven it truly is.
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