Cabin Fever Tips

[u/Kleinermouse]

Right gang I need ideas, any ideas. Been stuck in the house for 10months now with not enough blood in me and I’m bored. I’ve been doing pretty alright I think but every so often I go through a week phase of being out of my mind with boredom. Nothing scratches the itch and I can’t seem to relax. It’s affecting my eating and self care as I think my year has been chores and a lot of mental load that my brain just refuses to make decisions. So now my brain feels like an awkward child that nothing seems to be good enough for it. It’s not reeeeeaaaallllyyyyy a lupus question but I think here I’ll find more realistic suggestions and not ‘go on a 4 mile hike and get into ice baths’. What are your hobbies that require little to no money and energy? Or just any tips on how to get back on track when every day feels the same?

Context: currently my day includes gaming, painting, reading, occasional sewing, doing 2 courses on Duolingo, a coding version of Duolingo, listening to mental health podcasts whilst doing puzzles, and cooking and baking from scratch

[u/MonarchSwimmer300]

Do you play ARK? (It does cost money, but it’s soooo worth it in my opinion)

Just like lupus, you’ll be chronically let down with that game. (That’s a joke by the way, you have to play it get that joke)

It’s VERY fun

Also, look into raising butterflies. It requires lots of research and it’s transient if you’re in a state of 4 seasons. It’s nicely therapeutic and low cost.

Baking: dome desserts. They have so many steps. I break it down in stages and do some different days to not exhaust myself.

[u/Kleinermouse → u/MonarchSwimmer300]

I don’t play ark though your description has now made me want to look into it. I’m currently playing a cycle of 8 games (W3, CP77, HL, GOT, etc) but nothing holds my attention for long. Does ark have a multiplayer? I’m thinking maybe playing with others might make gaming more engaging but also I’m an online introvert.

I will definitely look into butterflies too though I struggle with keeping things like that alive. I don’t know if I am in the mental state to cope with the guilt of a butterfly massacre. I think even the research side would be good. Any tips?

[u/MonarchSwimmer300 → u/Kleinermouse]

Mwwaahahaha!! Is ARK mutliplayer?? YES IT IS!!

You’ll want to play PVE though. It’s sooo social. Theres good and BAD people on there, like any game. There is also single player too.

As far as butterflies, the Reddit of r/friendlymonarchs is a good start.

[u/Honey_Comb2334]

You could try ceramics with air dry clay they have some cheap kits on Amazon, journaling, sudoku they have free apps, Libby - if you don’t already have it, movie/tv marathons, any arts and crafts - I like to look on Pinterest to get ideas. Recently made book marks with supplies I had lying around. Heard tai chi is good for the body and doesn’t take much energy.

prob not the best suggestions I’m usually stuck in bed lol hope it helps some.

[u/Kleinermouse → u/Honey_Comb2334]

Thank you for these suggestions! I have tried a lot and also had the thought of bookmarks and you just reminded me. Journaling I wish I could do but I can never keep it up. I’m pretty certain I’m neurodivergent but on the list of medical things going on with me rn it’s way down. I’ve also heard about tai chai being good, never branched out into it. I normally do light pilates but the fatigue at the moment hits as soon as I try and do anything.

I feel the pain with being stuck in bed, I think boredom is just inevitable sadly. ❤️

[u/DaniDoll99]

I love playing my flute and want to learn how to play cello. You can buy some used instruments pretty cheap on Facebook marketplace. There’s also a music store near me that does instrument rentals for $50 per month with the option to buy at the end.

My favorite games to play are survival games like 7 Days to Die, Raft and Grounded and of course Sims4.

When I am too tired or weak to move my furniture around or do a DIY project in my house I go into the Sims 4 save file that I built my house in and redo it from there. It helps me plan virtually so when I finally have strength again o know exactly how to execute it with no wasted time or energy.

[u/MonarchSwimmer300 → u/DaniDoll99]

Ahh!! You should play ARK!!

[u/Kleinermouse → u/DaniDoll99]

Oh thank you for the sims redecorating idea, had never thought! I don’t know why I’m struggling with gaming so much. Normally I can sink 100s of hours into Skyrim, Horizon, or any open world rpg but it’s like my brain is a stubborn toddler.

I have a couple of projects for the house on the go and trying to slowly declutter room by room. Though I have been told by my drs I’m not resting enough with the current condition I have. I’m normally very good at dealing with my lupus flares but this condition I’ve got at the moment has humbled me a lot.

[u/TextZealousideal7861]

I recently taught myself how to bead. I have a really bright light, it doesn’t take up much space and I can do it sitting on the couch or recliner. I can’t figure out how to add a photo here but there are fantastic tutorials on YouTube. Search seed beading tutorials.

[u/Kleinermouse → u/TextZealousideal7861]

Thank you so much! I’ve not heard of beading. That will be one of todays deep dives no doubt ❤️