Snowy Lancaster County, PA
Do Amish get Cabin Fever? No TV or Internet, nor four-wheel-drive vehicle to scoot them to the store or jet their children off to school, which rarely closes due to inclement weather. (Some Amish hire English drivers.)
Photo by Bill Coleman
What would an Amish mom do during a snowstorm? Perhaps an early morning load of laundry, which might dry in the basement should her home have one. She might help her husband with chores, prepare breakfast, clean the kitchen, bake, sew, and read to her youngsters and play board games. If single and childless, a woman might visit a relative or neighbor with infants and assist by scrubbing the friend’s kitchen and feeding the children. I recall with gratitude a woman who helped set up our kitchen years ago when we’d just moved and I was pregnant.
This winter, as flu bugs thrive, many sick folks are housebound for weeks. In some areas, the onslaught of arctic storms is still marching in. I imagine many are suffering from Cabin Fever. Even when I feel healthy, if contained in the house too long I get this itchy, grouchy feeling like a trapped animal.
I assume some Amish struggle during the gloom of dark winter months. While Cabin Fever isn’t a medical condition, seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is.
During the winter a person may experience depression and anxiety due to decreased exposure to sunlight. In a lot of cases, that’s because of poorly lit or windowed cabins, they just aren’t getting enough light in. If that’s the case with your cabin, maybe put in more windows like they have in these missouri cabins. Light doesn’t just brighten up your room, it does the same with your mood too.
“3 a.m.” Photo by Brian Powers
Here are a few tips to help escape that claustrophobic feeling if remodelling isn’t what you need. Learn a new skill, such as quilting or knitting. Whether reading Amish fiction or tackling pre-spring cleaning, keeping your brain engaged in an activity appears the best way to beat the winter blahs. You could even try some products to help you relax a little further, if you wish to get high e liquid can help you be exactly that – this will for sure get rid of those claustrophobic feeling.
Please don’t hate me for mentioning exercising when possible. Walking isn’t always practical due to inclement weather and health conditions. A dear friend walked into her late nineties. I get some of my best ideas while walking. But not if it’s icy!
My guess is the Amish get plenty of exercise, even in the winter, especially if they farm. The Bible often warns against idleness in both the Old and New Testament.
Apparently lean proteins high in omega-3 fatty acids like walnuts and salmon have been linked to improved moods. Fortunately I like both. My hunch is that dark chocolate in moderation helps. I always feel better!
An Amish-made Tea Towel
Do you ever get Cabin Fever? How do you cope? Leave a comment to enter to win this charming Amish made tea towel and a copy of one signed novel from The Legacy of Lancaster Trilogy. USA & Canada. Winner has three days to respond.
Yes, it would help greatly with cabin fever! LOL
I get cabin fever when it rains, Fraulein Adkins! Like it is today. Thanks for entering the giveaway. Good luck!
I LOVE EVRYTHING AMISH !!!!
Thanks for writing, Kathy! Good luck in the giveaway!
Yes, it would help greatly with cabin fever! LOL I read A LOT, cook too much , play Wii with my retired husband. LOL
Being sick with lupus cabin fever hits me at all seasins. Reading take me away from the pain and sadness of being stuck inside.
Being stuck inside can cause an avalanche of sadness any time of year, Marylar. I’m glad reading elevates the pain and feelings of isolation. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
I love the Amish
Thanks for entering, Betty! Good luck!
It takes me all day to complete my chores because of a disability, so by time I do as much as I can handle, I need a nap, then when I wake I need to cook dinner, and then it’s clean up time from dinner and when I sit I try to catch up on reading and folding Laundry, and when I stop I fall asleep in the chair and get up and warm hubby’s dinner when he gets home. I do manage to go to senior meetings and historical society meetings and go shopping, but not much more. I don’t have cabin fever too much, but more a lack of strength and time to get everything done. In the summer we go to concerts in the park and go fishing at the pier at the river. I sure do get lonely though. Carol Ellmore barlenbay@comcast.net
Hi Carolann! I’m praying your strength returns. Some days when I go to bed at night and review my activities they sound a lot like yours, although I do write every day or in some way research the Amish. I admit, I sometimes do this before I cook dinner and clean … oops, don’t tell my husband! Good luck in the giveaway!
Playing games with family helps me with cabin fever. Also reading helps also… Thank you …
Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway, Janice! Playing games with family sounds fun. And so does reading!
Reading and lots of crafts help our family escape cabin fever.
Reading and crafts sound like a marvelous solution, Karen! On this rainy day, I can empathize with anyone stuck in the house! Good luck in the giveaway!
Yes it would be a great help.
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Angela! Good luck1
I love to read, sew, and or crochet when I am getting Cabin Fever.
You sound like a woman with wonderful talents, Pam! And resourceful. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Yes cold weather keeps me in a lot . I am reading or quilting during these cold days . Would love to win one of your books . Thanks for the chance .
lizd225(at)gmail(dot)com
Reading and quilting sound fabulous, Elizabeth! Making the most of your time and not bouncing off the walls. Good luck in the giveaway!
Yes I would I crochet and knit and read plus other crafts.
Crocheting, knitting, and reading, plus other crafts! Cindy, you sound like a talented woman who will successfully beat cabin fever! Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Yes. I used to get cabin fever when I lived up north! I would try to read a lot, especially Amish fiction, it is my absolute favorite! When you live where it snows alot, you have to be used to getting out in snow, or be well prpared! I am an Home Health Aide, so many of my clients relied on my getting out! Sometimes I would just walk, if they were close enough! To me, that is always safer!!! I still get Seasonal Affective Disorder, from having lupus and fibromyalgia, I am homebound a lot! I real life, crochet and probably watch too much of tv! Amish fiction makes me feel a part of the book, I can be a character, on the sidelines for just a while and that makes me feel good! The Amish are a honest, hardworking, caring and giving community for the most part! Please keep writing, Kate, I love your books! God Bless You and Your Family! Have a wonderful, blessed day!
I make a goal of reading at least one book every two weeks. I also clean out the closets or start a project. Currently I am planning a family reunion and my next project is to put photos into photo albums.
Wonderful goals, Dee! Both the reading and the photo album! Not to mention cleaning out closets, what I need to do. Hope you have a fun family reunion. Good luck in the giveaway!
Thank you so much, Frances! Wishing you a wonderful blessed day too. I appreciate your encouragement and kind words. Good luck in the giveaway!
I read and do crafts
Thanks gor entering the giveaway, Kathy! Good luck!
Lately, the weather has been really pleasant, so I haven’t this winter, but in the colder days, I would do a little baking. Would love to win the tea towel. I keep trying!
Yum, baking sounds good, Sonja! Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
I would love to win this….how sweet
Thanks for entering, Tabitha! Good luck in the giveaway!
Love Lancaster Co. Go there at least 2 times a year. Also love your books. Would love to win the towel, yes have Cabin fever, mainly do to recent Surgery.
Sorry you’re stuck at home, Susan! Recovering from surgery is never fun. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
I wish I could have cabin fever..Always got Dr appts or something else that I have to go out for. But, if I could, then I would be. I would be reading more too!
I wish I could give you mine, Kathy! Today, the song “The sun’ll come out tomorrow …” is playing in my ears. Reading always elevates my mood. Will not go to bed without it. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Yes I get cabin fever a lot living here in Michigan. We just got 10 inches of snow here the other day and are suppose to get another 6 inches again. I love to read and sew a lot. In the summer I love to get outside and work in my flower gardens. Thank you for the giveaway =)
I often listen to the national weather report, Liz! Your amount of snow and low temperatures would keep a gardener inside, for sure. How wonderful that you love to sew. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Cabin fever yes, been sitting in the hospital visiting with Dad. Looking out the window longing for spring flowers!
Sorry to hear your Dad’s in the hospital, Janet! I assume there’s a tremendous amount of cabin fever in all hospitals. Is there anyone who doesn’t love spring flowers? Sigh. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Yes Cabin Fever I get it usually in the winter months. We only have one car . This would help me get over the Cabin fever..
Only one car would be tough, Kristina! Although I have friends who manage fine … I think. Somehow, when my old car is not in the garage waiting for me, I feel unsettled. Even if I have nowhere to go. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
I have experienced cabin fever a few times in my life. But, a good book, especially a good Amish book, fixes me right up! I love reading!
A good Amish book can fix me up too, Tabitha! What would I do without reading? My life would be so ho-hum. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
I get Cabin Fever during the Winter months and when I do I read, relax and just watch TV and get on FB. Thankfully I have Kids to stay busy but there are Weekends We just don’t go anywhere.
If you have kids, I’m sure you’re busy, Tammy! Staying home on the weekends can be opportunities to spend time together that will later be cherished memories. I recall playing Scrabble with my parents and sister with much fondness. Thanks for entering the giveaway and good luck!
I love reading about the Amish. Although I haven’t read your book yet I do look forward to purchasing it and reading it and many others. I find the Amish ways very interesting. They are my favorite books to read.
Deb, I hope you get a chance to read one of my books soon! Maybe as the winner of this contest? The Amish are indeed interesting. I never grow tired of researching and writing about them. Thanks for leaving a comment and entering the contest!
Kate,
Love all your books. I own them all. I was just wondering if you have any more books that you are working on? Love your writing style.
Thanks so much, Cheryl! My agent has a completed manuscript in hand … and I’m working on its sequel. I’ll let everyone know more when I do. I’m very excited about it!
Kate,
I’d love to win one of your books! While most people are wishing winter was over, my family is still wishing (and praying) for snow! One good snow is all we ever hope for — but rarely ever see — in Tennessee.
Blessings,
DJ
We usually get one good snow, DJ, but this year only an evening … and then it melted. In the PNW we rely on the snow-pack up in the mountains for water during the summer. Not looking good right now. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Cabin Fever? No, spinning, weaving and making gifts for this year.
Spinning, weaving, and gift making, Sparkle! A woman of many talents. Sounds fun. Thanks for writing in entering the giveaway. Good luck!
We rarely get snow here in middle Alabama. Gets too cold to go outside and enjoy it sometimes though. When I’m not at work or keeping grandbabies I have my crochet, cross-stitch, and of course reading!
I love to read Amish stories!
You sound like a busy woman, Gail! Crocheting, cross-stitching, and reading Amish stories are a lovely combination! Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Cabin fever? There are times, I don’t drive, live ‘at the end of the road’ and can just see the house of the nearest neighbor, RA limits my going out and about to an extent….in gloomy bad weather it gets kind of lonesome.
However, like those Amish, I generally find things to do, crafts, reading (re-reading favorites), doing puzzles besides the mundane of cooking, helping with the animals and such. Once in a while, I look out the window and hope to see green, flowers and the summer birds.
The recent addition to our family, autistic grandson keeps me busy too. He is such a wonderful blessing!
I’m glad your new grandson is a blessing, Mary! And it sounds as though you’re very ingenious when it comes to avoiding cabin fever and entertaining yourself. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
I get cabin fever in the winter. I do.more reading too help me cope with it
Reading is a marvelous way to cope with cabin fever in the winter, Ellen! Each night I savor my reading time! During the day, I must write … Thanks for leaving a comment and entering the giveaway. Good luck!
I suffer with SAD, it is real and I struggle to get through the short days, but after every winter comes spring, and it comes early here in Tennessee. It was much worse when we lived in the northeast.
I’m sorry you suffer with that, Rachel! I have a friend who is a medical doctor who loves her special light to counteract SAD. We in Puget Sound live as far north as the Northeast, so it gets dark early. Thanks for entering the giveaway. Good luck!
This year I’m too focused on trying to get through chemo treatments to notice cabin fever. I usually find that it helps to escape the weather and whatever ails me to dive into a wonderful book though. I’d love to win this beautiful tea towel and a copy of one of your books. Thanks for the chance.
I’m praying your chemo treatments will be successful, Debora, and that you will fully recover! I love to dive into a wonderful book too. Thanks for entering the giveaway and good luck!
I get cabin fever if i dont get out for a few days. But i try to become the person in the book i am reading at the time and it really really helps.
I enjoy slipping into my characters’ lives too, Carol! Sometimes when I wake up in the middle of the night they are in my thoughts. That’s why I don’t read scary novels … Thanks for leaving your comment and entering the giveaway!
I suffer from cabin fever from time to time. I usually get my husband and we drive out into the country. If the weather is nice we drive up to Etheridge TN and shop with the Amish. If I can’t get out, then I curl up with a good book and read.
Oh, that sounds like so much fun, Pat. The reading part too. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
I just finished the Pennsylvania Patchwork and all 3 books in that series, and I LOVED Them. This would be such a sweet prize. You are a talented writer and I look forward for more books
Thank you so very much, Janet! Wow, you just made my day! You are entered in the contest. Good luck!
i would love to be a winner ! Thanks for this opportunity .
I get through “cabin fever” by reading either a “physical” book or a book on my Kindle.
I love to read.
And, by the way, I love the photos of Lancaster County!! I am planning to go there with my sister, Kathy Edwards, and a friend, Ag ie Kaltreider on Saturday. We are leaving my place at 6am and will be at the breakfast table at Dienner’s Country Restaurant by 7am-7:15am!!
I hope you three have a marvelous time, Elaine! I love eating at Dienner’s Country Restaurant in Ronks. There may be more than one, but no matter where you end up I’m sure you’ll have fun! Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
How can possibly suffer from cabin fever if you have a good book to read.
Good question and great attitude, Vanda! Thanks for leaving a comment and entering the giveaway!
I would love to win a new book. It is too cold out for me. Everyone I have been out so far this winter I have gotten strep throat 🙁 so I really have cabin fever and I love your books.
So many people I know have gotten sick this year, Pam! With or without cabin fever, I hope you are on the mend or have completely recovered. I’m delighted you enjoy my books. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
I do get discouraged by all the snow, and days and days of gray weather, no matter what time of year, make me feel sluggish. I started taking extra Vitamin D this year, and I also try harder to read so that I can ignore/escape the weather!
I take vitamin D too, Connie! Supposed to be good for you, so why not? We are having another rainy day, but I am going to force myself out the door for a walk. If I wait for the sun to shine, I may have to wait a month! Thanks for writing and good luck in the giveaway!
When I get cabin fever I pick up a good book and get out that way.
A delightful way to get out, Jan! Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Would love to win a new book, going on a plane ride from Florida to California in a couple of weeks and a new book would be great
Sounds as though you need a new book, Mardi! Hope you have a fun trip. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Would love a new book to take on the plane with me from Florida to California
Since I love to cook fighting cabin fever to me is getting in the kitchen and trying out new recipes! Also an avid reader of Amish books, but, currently waiting on cataract surgery , so not this winter!
I hear cataract surgery works wonders, Nancy. I pray your surgery restores your eyesight better than you’d ever dreamed. in the meantime, cook up a storm! Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Would love a new book to take with me on the plane from Florida to California
I don’t get cabin fever, but i do get Seasonal Affective Disorder. Not fun and horrible. Kate, is the top of this towel crocheted, or is it just fabric? Would love the book.
SAD sounds terrible, according to friends and studies, Linda! One friend, a pediatrician, reads using a special light-bulb that she says helps. The top of the towel is fabric. I’d love you to win it and a book. Good luck!
I will soon be leaving to spend a few months in Australia. A new book would be great as the trip from NY to Sydney is 23 hours.
That is a very long flight, Cecelia! I think you need one of my books to keep you company. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
i am having to stay in because I am having extensive dental work. Would love to have a new book to read. Love the towel too.
You poor thing, Luedell! I’d love you to read one of my books. Thanks for entering the giveaway. Good luck!
I would love to win this. I’d share the books with my friend who just found out her cancer has returned after 3 years and starts chemo this week for six weeks. It’d give her something to read during those long hours of chemo. And as much as I love the tea towel I’d give that to her to brighten her day. She’s a wonderful person. The best friend you can ever have.
Good Luck Everyone!!!
You sound like a wonderful person too, Amber! I hope that one way or another you and your dear friend can read one of my books. Thanks for entering the giveaway and good luck!
My grandmother use to make tea towels like this. I miss getting them for special occasions. Would love to win this and the new book. Haven’t seen it yet. We always get books sparodically. Thank you for this opportunity!
I would love anything made by my grandmother too, Sue! I imagine you miss her very much as I miss my own. Thank you for visiting my blog and entering the giveaway. I’d love you to read one of my books. Good luck!