During this trying time of global pandemic, more and more people are finding ways to work and live remotely. Bespoke log cabins turned out to be a great solution to self-isolation, especially in Europe and North America. Whether they come in a form of a full glulam log houses, standard log cabins or as garden offices – log cabins seem to be a great way to create an isolated space. They can ensure privacy, improve productivity and security of work-related items.
However, there is one topic that few sources cover during this global pandemic – the cabin fever. It’s a term a lot of us heard, but probably have never experienced or encountered. So, in this post, we at Eurodita decided to introduce you to the cabin fever: what it is, what are the symptoms and how it came to be called that way.
What is cabin fever
In the most commonly accepted terms, cabin fever is a distressing, claustrophobic irritability or restlessness that is invoked by being stuck in an isolated location for long periods of time. Best examples are submarines, solitary confinement and remote log cabins – which is where the name comes from. The name is thought to have originated from people living in cold and difficult winter conditions, in isolated log cabins or communities.
Although directly caused by isolation, cabin fever can affect individuals, as well as groups of people. The key factor is isolation from broader socialisation and the outdoors.
What are the symptoms
Staying alone in remote, made to measure cabins or custom mobile homes can be a challenge. This is true for single individuals, as well as families and groups of people. That is why health specialists always warn to watch for symptoms, so adequate responses can take place. These symptoms can vary between people and in their severity, but generally include restlessness, impatience, constant stress, agitation, high irritability. On more downward spiral, cabin fever can also cause lethargy, constant sadness, a sense of hopelessness, decrease in motivation, mistrust of others around you, lack of concentration. On more physical note, cabin fever can also affect sleep, induce abnormal food cravings and weight changes.
While self-isolating, it’s always important to watch for these symptoms, in yourself and others around you. Living in close quarters without the ability to leave the safety of the log house can be daunting and seriously affect the mental health. The fact that winter is coming and the days are getting darker in the northern hemisphere will surely bring even more challenges for the health of mind.
How to cure cabin fever
First off, it’s important to note that cabin fever is not an officially recognised “disease”. Therefore, there aren’t any strict medicine or cure for it. However, psychiatrists around the world are very much aware of the symptoms and take them very seriously.
The main thing to do is, no matter what the conditions are (unless life-threatening, of course), to go out and interact with nature. This is especially important for people who are isolating in truly remote bespoke log cabins and glulam beams houses. Take time to go out every day if possible, even for a simple walk. This will allow your mind to understand that it’s not locked inside and it will continue to function normally.
In more general terms, and for people that are self-isolating in garden offices and garden rooms, the advice is as follows: have a routine of each day. Set goals for periods of time and work to achieve these goals. Have even a minimal exercise routine for every day and always eat at regular intervals. And finally – and this is important for everyone – don’t let your mind play tricks on you. Keep your brain occupied. If work is not enough, pick up a hobby that requires mental challenges. That way, you will not focus on the claustrophobia and rather will engage your brain into more productive activities.
Final thoughts
Whether stuck in glulam beam houses or garden rooms, take care of yourself. Cabin fever is a condition that creeps up slowly. Yet there are relatively simple ways to mitigate it. This pandemic has impacted all of our lives – Eurodita included. Yet even working from home, we have encouraged ourselves and others around us to stay safe, healthy and return to work with a sound and healthy mind and body. We hope we can help in any small way, whether it’s a short post about the cabin fever, or glulam house plans to safely isolate in.