Cabin Fever: what is it and how to prevent it

"Cabin fever" is a nautical term for a relatively common reaction to being isolated or confined in a reduced working or living space for an extended period of time.

How to identify it?

Cabin Fever can present as psychological, physiological and behavioral symptoms, and this can affect the individual and collective work environment and performance. Not everyone experiences the full spectrum of symptoms, however, acknowledgment of them and validation by peers could represent a major step in preventing it.

• Psychological: decreased motivation, impatience, irritability, sadness, mood swings, anxiety, feeling of loneliness, hopelessness or depression.

• Physiological: sleep pattern changes, difficulty in waking up, lethargy, food cravings, changes in eating habits, insomnia or hypersomnia, mental fog, confusion.

• Behavioural: boredom, restlessness, impatience, lack of motivation, decreased concentration, routine disorganization, difficulty on decision-making. 

What causes it?

Humans are intrinsically social beings and are neuroradiologically wired to feel connected to other members of the tribe. Our higher cognitive functions, social abilities and overall perception of well-being increases and thrives when we feel connected and in close contact with our loved ones (family and friends).

Physical distance and isolation represents a threat for the nervous system and can trigger innate mammalian survival responses such as fear, anxiousness, emotional stress, and ¨fight or flight¨ urges. These responses can be heightened by the inability to move freely, feeling enclosed in a small cabin, high levels of stress (burn-out, inadequate rest, stressful work environment) and inability to do enjoyable/meaningful things. 

What can you do to prevent it?

Validation and acknowledgement: understanding that cabin fever is an embedded neurological response to isolation and stress is the first step. It is important not to be little or simplify the feelings or situation of the crew member; show support and acknowledgement of what they are feeling, speak openly and offer help.

Exercises and time outdoors: physical activity and connecting to nature (paddle surfing, swimming, running, etc.) can positively affect on cognitive functioning, emotional well-being, and other dimensions of mental health. Moderate to intense exercise decrease cortisol levels, inhibits the flight/flight response and secreted endorphins (pleasure hormones).

Routine: creating a daily routine that combines movement, a healthy diet, time for social connection and bonding and relaxing, is a great coping mechanism to prevent cabin fever. The brain looks for predictive patterns, knowing what you would do and not do will send signals of safety and comfort to your brain.

Asking for help: if your cabin fever is making you feel demotivated, it's interfering with your daily activities so they start to become a burden, and especially affecting with your sleeping patterns, seek out for advice from a health professional. 

Evolution Yacht Agents offers a new virtual Medical Concierge service for all your medical questions and consultations.

Dr. Gonzalo Santellan is a registered general practitioner in Spain as well as Sports Medicine doctor and is available for same day video consultations with guests and crew, whatever your location. He can consult and provide prescriptions as well as referrals for specialists or tests and scans as necessary.

Get in touch with your Evolution local concierge team to schedule an appointment.

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