How to deal with cabin fever when you are housebound

I’m a lifelong introvert and happy homebody.

I love to travel the world and I like to go out, but with a purpose and a plan.

Otherwise though, I could stay home with my family and my books and tv shows for weeks and be just fine.

But even I eventually crave the light of day and the noise of other people.

Being housebound, or otherwise isolated for weeks and weeks with no end in sight is an overwhelming thought even for the most introverty introverts, let alone everyone else.

Cabin fever will set in at some point, especially if the weather is nice, you’ve been working way too much or you’re generally stressed out.

So what do you do to keep yourself sane when you’re housebound with limited options?

Here are some tips:

Utilize social media and technology wisely

It can be so easy to get lost in hours of mindless scrolling on the Internet and social media.

You don’t want to do that.

It can be mind-numbing and oftentimes leads to feelings of discouragement and inadequacy.

Instead, use social media to connect with people you actually know and love in real life and try to limit your intake of online news to just a few times a day.

Try video chats

Even when you can’t see your loved ones in person you can still “see” them using technology.

You might even be able to schedule regular video call time slots with the people you love the most like your children, parents, siblings and best friends.

Group calls are great too, especially if you’re the type that usually visits with groups of friends or family on a regular basis.

You might even have a virtual happy hour where everyone mixes up a cocktail and logs on for a group call.

Get some fresh air

Sometimes just seeing the sun stream through a bright window is enough to boost your mood, but it’s even better if you can actually get outside for a little bit.

There are options no matter how much or little outdoor space you have access to.

If you live in an apartment, open the window and breathe in the air or go for a walk around the block or complex.

If you have a porch or a yard go sit outside for a while, garden or do some yoga in the grass.

Alternately, you can take a walk, jog or bike through your neighborhood or if it’s permitted, head to a park with trails and/or paths.

Eat well

Purchase as much fresh food as you will reasonably be able to consume before it spoils and let the colors, scents and textures inspire you to get cooking.

Nutritious whole foods can help keep your body and hormones in balance, which can help keep your moods stable and positive even when things get tough. 

Stock up on things you love

When you’re not stuck at home, what makes you look forward to going home?

Make sure you have plenty of the things that make you feel happy, content and relaxed in your space.

Wine, tea, a stack of books, lots of cozy blankets, aromatherapy products — whatever it is, make sure you have it.

At one time these things may have seemed like frivolous indulgences.

But when you’re housebound, it’s the little things that can help you maintain your sanity.

Discover your own creativity

Even if you don’t consider yourself a creative person, being housebound may allow you the time and opportunity to tap into your creativity.

Think about something you would like to be able to do whether that’s painting a watercolor, knitting a scarf, playing an instrument or anything else your mind can come up with, and give it go!

Even if you’re terrible at it at the start, there’s no time like the present moment to practice and improve.

Read also: How to successfully work from home