Helpful Tips for Seniors Coping with Cabin Fever
7 Tips for Coping with Cabin Fever for Seniors
As winter approaches, it’s a good idea to make a plan for coping with cabin fever. It’s likely you’ll be spending time inside over the next several weeks, avoiding colder temperatures and snow. Add the fact that the current pandemic has pushed most of us indoors more often than we’re used to, and this at-home winter lifestyle may be a continuation of months spent predominantly indoors.
When people use the term “cabin fever,” it’s often in the flippant context of, “Ugh! I’ve been inside all day.” But the fact is, there’s a very real version of the winter blahs called Seasonal Affective Disorder (aptly shortened to SAD), which can lead to the more dreaded condition of isolation. And that can be a real problem, especially for older adults. Best to get ahead of it.
Coping with cabin fever requires a bit of foresight. First, let’s cover symptoms and dangers. Then we’ll offer coping tactics, including senior activities that stimulate the whole person.
What are the symptoms of cabin fever?
Not every person will experience the full array symptoms. But here are a few things to watch for in your own life or if you’re keeping an eye on an older loved one:
- Lethargy or lack of motivation — No one wants to go-go-go all the time, but take note if you don’t feel like engaging in any activity at all.
- More-than-typical sleep — Getting enough sleep is vital, but watch for oversleeping and difficulty waking in the morning, or frequent napping.
- Food cravings — Eat at mealtimes and when hungry, not due to boredom.
- Sadness or hopelessness — You know your own moods better than anyone. If you’re sad more often than happy, take action. Letting this fester can devolve into depression. If you’re monitoring an older loved one, pay attention to verbal cues about feelings of despair.
- Irritability — A lack of patience may signal general unhappiness or loneliness.
- Abuse of alcohol — The daily allowance should be one drink per day. Using alcohol throughout the day to fight boredom or loneliness will disrupt necessary activities and create other health problems.
Any of the above symptoms are worth paying heed to, especially if they become distressing or hinder your ability to manage your activities of daily living — things like dining, dressing, taking medication or bathing.
7 Activities to Help You Fight that Cooped-Up Feeling
There’s no mystery to coping with cabin fever. You should plan activities that stimulate the body, brain and mood. If you live in a senior living community like The Glebe, there will be daily opportunities for physical fitness, social engagement and mental stimulation. On the other hand, if you live at home with a spouse or partner, or by yourself, you’ll have to be proactive in efforts to combat cabin fever. Here’s a short list of suggestions. They may trigger ideas of your own:
- Go outside. It’s the obvious antidote to feeling stuck indoors. Leaving the house for some fresh air is bound to lift your spirits. Even if you just take a short walk around the block, it’s good for your physical health too. If it’s cold, bundle up. If there’s snow or ice around, put it off till footing is sure.
- Exercise indoors. Not just once; make it a routine. Try these exercises: Walk around your home for 10 minutes (or more) without stopping. Lift light weights, doing 3 sets of 12 reps for each exercise. Learn stretches for your back, neck and legs. The goal is to preserve flexibility, balance and lower-body strength. Added bonus: Exercise releases natural endorphins that will improve your mood.
- Start a new hobby. There’s nothing like learning and accomplishing something new! Painting, crafting, playing an instrument, indoor gardening — these endeavors busy the body and stimulate the mind. It’s a true gift to yourself, and as you hone your skills you might find yourself creating gifts for others.
- Turn off the TV. Watching television can be an occasional distraction. Rarely is it anything more than momentarily rewarding. Consider it this way: TV hand-feeds verbal and visual stimuli, leaving nothing to your imagination. You’re better off with a book, which will include you in conjuring places, characters and emotions. A jigsaw or crossword puzzle is another option, requiring mental exertion and offering satisfaction.
- Be deliberate about eating well. Many people are surprised to learn malnutrition afflicts seniors of every social and economic status. While winter has you indoors, take steps to fill the cupboard and fridge with nutrient-rich foods, then prepare healthy portions for meals and snacks.
- Bake. The other side of the “eating well” coin is the occasional indulgence. Bake a simple cake, pie or cookies. Remember it’s winter, the season of rum balls, butter brickle and pfeffernüsse — as fun to eat as it is to say. If you end up with more than you need, use your sweets as a gift for someone you miss.
- Treat yourself to an excursion. Besides getting out of the house, a trip to a museum, coffee shop or restaurant, or other local destination may be just what the doctor ordered to fight the winter doldrums.
There are infinite ways to cope with cabin fever. At a senior living community like The Glebe, everything’s in place to eliminate loneliness and boost physical and mental health, whatever the weather or season.
To learn more about the good times and fulfilling lifestyle Glebe residents enjoy every day, contact us today.