Cabin Fever Got You Down? Why Exercise Is Your Secret Weapon for Mental Health

Feeling trapped indoors? Exercise is one of the best ways to manage cabin fever and protect your mental health. Here’s why it works.

Listen to the episode here…

The Best Way to Beat Cabin Fever (Hint: It’s Exercise)

If you’re working out, it’s one of the best ways to get over cabin fever, to get over mental health issues, to get over feeling kind of blah.

And that’s what I’ve been using exercise for this week.

From Snow Lover to Gym Addict

I grew up in Tampa, Florida. Snow was something you traveled to see. It was a novelty.

Now I’m living in a state where it snows. And there are some days where I absolutely love it. I get excited about being indoors and cozy.

But ever since I got serious about fitness, I can’t stand being indoors. I want to go to the gym as much as I can. It drives me up the wall that I haven’t been able to go.

Yes, I Probably Could Have Gotten There

I know what some of you are probably thinking. I probably could get to the gym if I really tried. I’ve gotten messages from people saying as much.

And the truth is, if I really tried, I probably could.

But I was a little nervous about trying to drive on my roads. I’m looking at sheets of ice. I’ve watched neighbors fishtail right in front of my window.

And because I can work out online, and because I work from home, not having to leave feels like the safer choice right now.

I Really Miss My People

Don’t get me wrong. I’ve really, really wanted to get back to the gym. I miss my girls. I miss the guys. I miss so much about group fitness and working out in person.

Anyone who knows me knows I’m an extrovert. I love to be around people. I get excited by it.

But yeah, I haven’t wanted to put in the risk that would be required to get to the gym. And it sucks.

Working Out Is Keeping Me Sane

I’m really grateful that I’ve had movement this week. I can tell when I’ve been sedentary too long now.

If I go several hours where I haven’t moved or gotten up or started stretching or squatting, I can feel it.

My husband will sometimes even say to me now, “Have you worked out yet?” Because he knows that if I haven’t, that’s when I start getting kind of mean.

I don’t mean to be. I really don’t. But I’m definitely nicer when I’m working out. I’m definitely nicer when I’ve gotten my movement fix for the day.

If You’re Stuck Inside

If you’re stuck at home like I have been and you’re looking for something to give you some good feels, some warm feels, do some movement.

Go on YouTube and find a stretch class or a dance class. There are full body workouts with no equipment. Body weight workouts where you’re using your body as the weight.

I highly recommend it because the truth is, working out is one of the best ways to manage your mental health, your physical health, your emotional health.

It makes me feel more regulated emotionally. It helps with stress. It gives me energy.