We have all felt it at one time or another, cabin fever. In the movie, The Muppets Treasure Island there is an entire song dedicated to cabin fever. In recent years, this feeling has been magnified by long periods of isolation and confinement. So, what do we as teachers do when our students are feeling this way? How do we help them through this time of year when winter is hanging on like a leech, and spring seems to be hiding away like it is afraid to be seen? Let’s explore some strategies to overcome the “Not Yet Spring Blues.”
One of the first things you can do is try to include fun group activities. It may seem like restless students and group work is a bad mix, but it may actually be your saving grace. When someone is struggling with a sense of cabin fever, feeling less isolated can be a real help. You could try group craft activities, or games. You could have cooperative learning opportunities like escape rooms based on the material you are currently learning. Maybe even partner reading times to just have them interacting with their peers in a positive way.
Another strategy, which may seem simple or even silly, but can really help is to open the blinds/curtains on the classroom windows and let in as much natural light as possible. This is especially important in places where students cannot go outside for recess as often due to weather concerns. Natural light is very important for a person’s overall mental health. There are many reasons for this, one of which is that it helps mitigate the effects of seasonal depression (Garone, 2020). So, letting as much sunlight into your room as possible can really “light up” your student’s minds and lives ;).
Lastly, take care of you. Just like in an airplane you have to put on your own oxygen mask before you help others, you must take care of your mental health before you can assist your students. It is reasonable to expect that you too are suffering from the not yet spring blues. Do your best to take care of your mental health at this time. Take the time to spend with the people you care about to avoid feelings of isolation. Enjoying a hobby can help as well. Even if it is only a couple of minutes due to weather, go outside and stand/walk in the sunshine. So I end with this challenge, look at your schedule and plan on each day for one mental health activity. Schedule it in and stick to your schedule. Let’s see how much it helps.
Reference:
Garone, S. (2020, August 11). 11 things to know about natural light and your health. Healthline. Retrieved February 21, 2022, from https://www.healthline.com/health/natural-light-benefits#benefits
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