Day three of one of the most extreme snow storm disasters in the history of Georgia, drops yet more snow and icy conditions for North Georgians with continued warnings to stay home. Almost like the third sequel to a blockbuster movie, the second rendition was disappointing; the third downright stinks.
Cabin fever is a reality for many, and a normal reaction to being shut in. According to Wikipedia, cabin fever (also known as House Syndrome), is an idiomatic term for a claustrophobic reaction that takes place when a person or group is isolated and/or shut in, in a small space, with nothing to do, for an extended period. Symptoms include restlessness, irritability, irrational frustration with everyday objects, forgetfulness, laughter, excessive sleeping, distrust of anyone they are with, and an urge to go outside even in the rain, snow or dark. The phrase is also used humorously to indicate simple boredom from being home alone. The term ‘cabin fever’ was first recorded in 1918.
Finding yourself snapping at your mate? Yelling at the kids? Wanting to do nothing but sleep? Giggling hysterically for no reason? Yep, you’ve got cabin fever. So what to do?
1. Begin with gratitude. It’s not often that you have an excuse to stay home from work. Be grateful for warm shelter and food. That power outages haven’t occurred. And whatever else in your life you can be grateful for.
2. Watch funny or inspirational movies. There are plenty that demonstrate folks who’ve overcome insurmountable challenges (Rocky is a personal favorite). Good comedies are proven to improve mood. Download new releases from Netflix. Pop some popcorn and get your mind off of this.
3. Do some ‘spring’cleaning. There’s nothing like cleaning and organizing to make your home (that place you’re stuck in) a more enjoyable space. It’ll give you some exercise that your body needs. Plus, you’ll be caught up and have more time this spring to do the fun things like planting flowers.
4. Break out the books. How often have you said you never have time to read a book? Now’s the time.
5. Feed the birds. Put out some extra bird feed, even if it’s old bread. The birds seem to be coming out in droves, providing an interesting perspective of freedom and a connection with the miracles of nature.
6. Play in the snow. Have a snowball fight. Make a snow man. Sled or slide in a saucer if you have them. This is a rare phenomenon for our area – enjoy it.
7. Catch up on rainy day (in this case snowy day) projects. Arts and crafts. Organizing your paperwork. Cleaning the garage. We all have things we put off that are more of a burden to get to when we’re busy with everyday work and living.
8. Stay in touch with friends by phone, facebook, email. We’re lucky we have the technology to do this. And it takes away the feeling of isolation.
9. Break out the cards and board games. Another good old-fashioned, family fun activity that many families and couples put on the back burner – television taking its place.
10. Plan a vacation to a warm, tropical, exotic destination. Even if you don’t end up taking it, it’s fun to research the possibilities on the internet, and fantasize about the light at the end of the snow tunnel.