Cabin Fever

Cabin fever 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, forgetfulness, and excessive sleeping, distrust of anyone they are with, and an urge to go outside even in the (less miserable) rain, snow or dark.

Each year I watch it unfold about this time of the year. People have slumped shoulders, depression sets in, extra friction in marriages, and a "I don't care mentality."

So, we must be proactive instead of reactive to overcome this syndrome. My experience tells me that the very best thing to do, is get out of the house! Go find ways to enjoy the outdoors, develop an exercise routine, volunteer at Grace's open gym,join a recreational league, build a snowman, jump on your neighbor's snow mobile when they are not looking, bundle up and take an evening walk or run, pull a mattress with an ATV, shovel someones driveway and sidewalks, xc ski, turn off your TV, put a lock on your food pantry and get active!

But the very best thing to do, is to close your eyes and picture yourself on the seat of your Harley with your wife. And make sure no one is around when you shut your eyes, so that you can make the vroooom-vrooom sound real loud!