Ways To Combat Cabin Fever

Is it winter? Is it spring? Well, yes it is!

If you are a St. Louisian, you know it is only a matter of hours before we go from freezing temperatures and a wind gust stronger than the Arctic to walking around in shorts and flip-flops!

What you may not know is the effects of drastic temperatures changes on our health. It is not the frigid winter woes or the smothering summer heat that drives us crazy. It is the sudden fluctuating extremes that affect the body’s ability to adapt.

Lingering colds, food cravings, joint pain, fatigue, mood changes are just a few of the symptoms we experience. There is nothing we can do about Mother Nature. But there is always something we can do to take care of our physical and mental health.

When Meteorologists advise us to stay indoors, WE DO IT. We so often feel that we must be productive to stay healthy.  But the greatest form of health comes from stillness. It is in utter silence, the very essence of life begins to heal!

Don’t let this year’s weather create frustrations of cabin fever. Here is your opportunity to refuel and recharge.

Just a few ideas to get you started.

1. Get into your PJs. Grab your beverage of choice (ETOH totally fair game J). Open your favorite book. And get lost in the pages of your favorite story.
2. Binge  your favorite show. If books aren’t your cup of tea, no problem. Turn on your favorite TV show/Movie and enjoy hours of distraction or until your eyes see double, whichever comes first.
3. Begin planning Spring Break. Ok, granted we have no clue when spring will shine upon us, but thinking to exciting times can raise endorphins and boost mood.
4. Declutter. There is nothing like clearing your energy within than by releasing what doesn’t serve you. It doesn’t have to be a deep clean, but maybe one or two drawers to start. You would have accomplished something and feel good doing it.
5. Workout in your PJs. I had so much fun with this one this year! If your gym cancels your favorite HIIT class or you just can’t spend one more minute on the treadmill, get into your favorite sleepwear and grab resistance bands or simply use your own body weight to enjoy a quick 15 minute workout. Don’t underestimate the power of short bursts of exercises.
6. Journal. Writing (or typing on the computer) offers a safe place to release anything you hold within you. You could journal your thoughts, write about your dreams, outline a game plan for your workouts or inscribe handwritten letters to friends who would love to get a card in the mail.  This is a great way to slow down, reflect and revive the lost art of communication. Spending time in gratitude is more effective than anything else.
7. Talk. When was the last time you picked up the phone and CALLED your friend? (Texting doesn’t count!) I am guilty of this.  I am not much of a talker and do way better in text than verbal dialogue. Even though it was out of my comfort zone, I picked up the phone and reconnected with friends I hadn’t spoken to in months. Hearing about their lives lent happiness and joy to mine.
8. Meditate. My all-time favorite. Trust me. I am NO yogi and can sit still maybe for all of 10 minutes tops. But those 10 minutes is all that is needed to reflect on how amazing we are! In 10 minutes, you can create a path of where you are and where you desire to go. Time is a scarcity. Time is the bridge between what was, what IS and what will be. Time is the mirror that reflects absolute truth.  Time is and always will be the ultimate gift given to everyone equally-we just have to choose to accept it.

Take time to thank Mother Nature for reminding us of the gift that is always above us, below us, within us and surrounding us.

Dr. Raman’s Concierge Medical Practice is focused on holistic care and good health maintenance.

For more information on natural ways to relieve stress, CONTACT  our office today to schedule your appointment.

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