About nine months ago, the mundane routine of waking up early in the morning to a deafening alarm and going to school in person turned into online learning. Social interaction with friends became limited to video calls and text messages. In order to prevent the spread of COVID-19, staying home became mandatory. For many Aragon students, the norm of school, sports and jobs became distant memories. As a result, side effects of isolation or cabin fever emerging are common. Characterized by symptoms of restlessness and extreme irritability, cabin fever occurs when one is restricted to the same area for a prolonged period of time.
Even with the requirement of face masks and social distancing, many students, such as sophomore Faith Gomez, continue leading somewhat “normal” lives.
“I have been going out a bit but not as much as pre-COVID times,” Gomez said. “I did conditioning for cheer over the summer and hung out with friends while staying six feet apart.”
Other students, however, have family members at home who are at high risk for contracting COVID-19, further confining them to their homes and forcing them away from their peers. Many students, including junior Ethan Lee, have to be even more diligent about staying at home whenever possible.
“Both of my parents are considered high risk, so I have to be responsible about where I’m going and what I’m doing,” Lee said.
Among the biggest negative changes brought upon by cabin fever are the impacts on mental well-being and academic performance. Poor mental well-being is exacerbated during isolation. Feeling antsy, impatient and restless are classic symptoms of cabin fever. Eventually, these symptoms can lead to the development of mental illnesses, such as depression and anxiety. Both Lee and Gomez felt that their mental wellbeing has taken a turn for the worse due to the lack of social interaction Although less talked about, physical symptoms can also arise due to being indoors and glued to a screen for the majority of the day.
“I’ve been getting headaches more frequently compared to pre-quarantine times,” Lee said. “Now, I’m on my computer for both Zoom classes and homework.”
Academic performance has also been plagued by cabin fever. Zoom classes and asynchronous learning make it easier for students to get sidetracked. The home environment can also present many distractions, such as other family members creating background noise.
“My grades have dropped over quarantine,” Gomez said. “I feel a lack of motivation to get schoolwork done.”
Being indoors for most of the day can lead to excess energy, and without physical activity to burn it off, many zone off during class. The biggest enemy for many students, procrastination, presents itself as a major threat to academic success with a shorter school day and a less demanding schedule.
“Cabin fever has made me more distracted because I have more energy while being confined,” Lee said. “I have more time to do schoolwork, but it takes me a lot longer to do my assignments because I procrastinate.”
But cabin fever blues can be overcome. Maintaining a sense of normalcy by taking up a new hobby or finding a community are realistic ways students can make the best out of this unusual time.
“I’ve gotten to try new things such as improving my culinary skills, which I always wanted to do before but didn’t have the time for,” Lee said. “Being involved with Aragon clubs and organizations has allowed me to stay connected with other students.”
It’s also important to practice self-care, anything that stimulates relaxation. The smallest acts such as keeping up with friends and making an effort to interact with others can be a mood booster. Even a simple change such as revamping one’s room can make all the difference. Lee has taken to keeping his room organized, and Gomez decorated her workspace, both efforts to make staying in their rooms all day more enjoyable. They’ve also implemented activities to keep themselves busy and in high spirits.
“I try to get as much fresh air whether it’s taking a walk in my neighborhood or going out to my backyard,” Lee said.
For Gomez, school sports and going out with family are highlights of her days.
While cabin fever may seem never ending, there are ways to make this time useful and enjoyable.
