What is Cabin Fever?
Webster’s dictionary defines cabin fever as follows: extreme irritability and restlessness from living in isolation or a confined indoor area for a prolonged time.

Recent examples of prolonged time in isolation or being confined indoors

It was March 15, 2020, a day that will never be forgotten.  It was as though someone had invented a suspended animation button.  On that day the earth stood still!   Life as we knew it came to a screeching halt! We were asked to limit socializing, stand no less than 6 feet away from others, and hunker down. It was an initiative to prevent the spread of C-19.

Families found themselves spending a lot of time together.  In the beginning it was fun! But something happened. Many families noticed that spending so much time together can have negative consequences. Being confined to one location without a fresh supply of communication can result in “cabin fever.”  In short, it happens when people are stuck inside for long periods of time.  People who are normally understanding, kind and loving toward one another begin to be irritable and impatient with each other.  Husbands and wives, parents and children, also found themselves experiencing weariness from prolonged isolation from, or exposure to loved ones.

Identify Patterns

It is important to reflect for a moment asking ourselves an important question. How do I normally respond when spending a lot of time in confined spaces?  How does my family respond to spending extended amounts of time with one another?  Is there a pattern of behavior demonstrated when I feel isolated from others, ore confined to particular areas of life?

Change the Focus

The first step is decide what you will focus your attention on.  Take time to plan your daily routine. What time you will wake up, and how you will spend each day. What time will you have breakfast, lunch, and dinner.  

Focus on learning something new. This can be done as a family, and individually. Learning a new skill can be a way to initiate some healthy family competition. You grow in skill level, and your relationship grows because you are bonding. (Hint:The Duolingo app has several areas to learn skills. ) A family can learn another language, math, and music together.  

Focus on spending some time alone. Taking some time to sit in solitude, or to read a book alone can be refreshing. It also gives you a chance to miss your loved ones, and takes away the sense of being smothered.  Everyone needs space from time to time