8 Fun Things to Do at Home to Avoid Cabin Fever

There are many fun things to do at home to avoid cabin fever. From dancing to music-making apps, these activities will help you and your family stay entertained without having to step outside.

Remember to maintain a proper daily schedule and connect with others (either in person or on video chat). Also, try to incorporate some outdoor time whenever possible.

1. Get Moving

Symptoms of cabin fever are irritability, restlessness, and boredom caused by being stuck inside for extended periods. These symptoms can become dangerous if not addressed in a healthy way.

Fortunately, there are some fun things to do at home to avoid cabin fever. If it is safe to do so, working from a local coffee shop or public space can give you the social interaction and change of scenery you need. You can also find co-working spaces designed to benefit remote workers and entrepreneurs.

2. Create a Schedule

Having a daily routine can help to ease feelings of cabin fever. Get up at the same time you used to and go to bed at a reasonable hour.

Keep a large supply of books, board games and crafts on hand. Wright says these items can make a huge difference in avoiding cabin fever when working from home.

Getting a new hobby or starting a creative project can also help alleviate symptoms of cabin fever. For example, museums and zoos around the world offer virtual programs that allow participants to experience exhibits and animals without leaving their homes.

3. Connect with Others

Whether due to weather or extended social distancing orders for pandemics like COVID-19, isolation can worsen feelings of cabin fever. Creating a daily schedule and connecting with others via virtual chat can help alleviate these negative feelings.

Try new activities that are fun and stimulating, such as puzzles, dance lessons, or learning a musical instrument. These will get your brain working and give you something to look forward to when staying at home. This time at home is also a great opportunity to brush up on your communication skills with friends and family.

4. Change Your Environment

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many people have adjusted to a different way of life while adhering to shelter-in-place and social distancing rules. This can lead to feelings of isolation, boredom, and restlessness.

Changing your environment can help reduce these feelings. Rearranging furniture or adding new decor can make your space feel fresh and exciting. Alternatively, try to bring more natural light into your home. Natural light helps regulate our mood, and it can improve sleep quality and ward off seasonal depression.

5. Take a Break from Technology

Work can be exhausting no matter where you are. Isolation and social distancing can add to the fatigue, so take a break from your phone or computer once in a while.

Use this time to tackle a home project you’ve been putting off, such as painting an accent wall or renovating a piece of furniture. You can also find ambient noise apps that simulate sounds from nature or the bustle of a coffee shop. It’ll help you feel more connected and productive.

6. Grow a Garden

Even if you don’t have a green thumb, you can plant some herbs or lettuce in your kitchen window. This can help you feel like you’re outside and not stuck inside your home, Wright said.

It’s important to check in with friends and family who might be feeling cabin fever, Wright said. This can help prevent irritability or depression as well as provide a much-needed mental break from the TV screen. For extroverts, this is especially important.

7. Go to the Movies — at Home

Watching movies at home is a fun way to stay entertained and help ward off the effects of cabin fever. You can make the experience more authentic by rearranging your furniture to create a theater-like setting and making movie-themed snacks, like popcorn.

Watching a movie together can bring people closer and strengthen relationships. This is particularly true if you choose films that highlight people overcoming challenges, as they may inspire your family members to pursue their own goals.

8. Listen to Music

If you’re stuck at home, try to use your favorite music to get some energy out. Fast-paced music can improve workout performance and listening to relaxing classical music can help people sleep better.

Find objects around the house that make sounds and create your own instruments! Playing these instruments can be a fun way to help kids use up their energy. Music has powerful psychological effects on humans. Depending on the genre, it can enhance happiness, energize the body and mind, reduce stress, and even affect pain levels.