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Introduction
So you’ve been staying at home for like weeks now. If you’re one of the lucky people that can work from home the first week might be exciting. Well, it was definitely great for me. We have requested the work from home arrangement at the office but the management never really gave it a serious thought until now. So looking at the brighter side at least the community quarantine will give us this chance to try telecommuting.
The first week
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It’s like working in a brand new office. Especially if you have not tried working at home before. It’s all exciting. I prepared my laptop and found a corner at my apartment. I really don’t have a desk but I just used a folding table. I set up the laptop there and began working. Well I have to get used to install Zoom and Google Sheets.
And that first week I am productive. I was really working and I felt in the zone but then my productivity slows down. I get irritable and I feel I need to do something different. I looked it up and I found out that I may be suffering from what they call cabin fever.
What is cabin fever?
According to wikipedia, “Cabin fever refers to the distressing claustrophobic irritability or restlessness experienced when a person, or group, is stuck at an isolated location or in confined quarters for an extended period of time.” And this is exactly what I am feeling.
Symptoms
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Common feeling that may tell you that you might have a cabin fever are the following:
- Restlessness and irritability
- Lethargy and the feeling of hopelessness
- Sadness, loneliness, or depression
- Trouble concentrating and inattention
- Lack of patience
- Food cravings
- Decreased motivation
- The feeling that you to need nap more frequently
How to treat cabin fever?
Well typically getting out of the house and exploring the nature is a good way to cure cabin fever. But during this quarantine period that’s hard to do. But here are some alternative ways you can do to help you out with cabin fever.
Get some exercise.
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Get moving. Sweat it out. If you can’t go to the gym there are plenty of exercise you can do at you living room. You can do any of the following:
- squats
- planks
- burpees
- sit ups
- and many more You just have to be creative and resourceful.
Exercise is good for you because it releases hormones like endorphins and serotonin that improves our mood. So you get to work you muscles and you get to be happy at the same time.
Get some sunlight
If possible get a breath of fresh air and a beautiful sunlight. If you have a yard or balcony take advantage of it and enjoy the sun especially early in the morning.
Sunlight is good for your health. It also helps the body to release serotonin which helps us to be calm, relaxed and focused.
Follow a routine
Make sure you follow your usual routine. Treat these days as if you still at work. Get up at the same you used to, eat breakfast, take a shower. This brings normality to your life at home during the quarantine. You’ll get a sense of time for “work” and a time for “rest” even if you’re staying at home all this time.
Be creative
Take this time to get that pet project of yours started. Get your creative juices running. Start painting, learn to play music, start a youtube channel. Choose activities that you will enjoy and keeps your head active.
Conclusion
It’s been a challenging time for all of us and it’s easy to forget our mental health during this crisis. It’s important to also take care of our psychological wellbeing while we are protecting ourselves from corona virus. Avoid cabin fever and make sure you enjoy your day.
Take care and stay safe.
Repost from my blog:
https://juanhalohalo.design.blog/2020/04/12/what-is-cabin-fever-and-how-to-deal-with-it/