First winter in the UK: tactics

[Frequentflier]

So, as I have said numerous times here, this is my first winter in the UK ( London). I have been doing ok so far, but it's been a bit miserable the last few days. What do you all do to get through it? Thanks to Style and Beauty, I have warm, waterproof clothes. I get out for a walk every day. Already read and cook a lot. Thinking of now buying some luxury bath salts, some good chocolate, and maybe adult coloring books to fill up my senses, so to speak.

Have you noticed the high rates of alcohol consumption in northern countries?.

That’s what we do, we drink & we wait for spring 😂. The nights are lengthening back out again now though.

I am not much of a drinker, but did finish a small bottle of Baileys the last few days. DH doesnt drink- he's not an alcoholic, just never took to it- so it's a bit dull drinking by myself. Board games for the long evenings maybe but there is only the 3 of us.

Usually we go to the pub.

sounds like you are doing okay OP. Winter is a time for socializing, attending activities, theatre etc which obviously we can't do at the moment.

Winter in the UK is fine, literally just a few degrees colder than Spain

Exercise helps, do you belong to a gym? I go swimming and it really helps me cope with the winter.
Also reading, planning holidays, cooking and baking.

Prob am doing ok but feel a bit discombobulated! I fell asleep for 2 hrs this afternoon bcos it was so dark

Winter in the UK is fine, literally just a few degrees colder than Spain

Depends where you are in the U.K., London maybe, Aberdeen is definitely much colder than Spain.

Gyms arent open where I am- high no of cases- but am pondering going swimming at Charlton Lido. Might be risky but I guess I have to take a few risks.

Ooh yes a nice nap followed by an early night and lie in.

It’s not the cold that affects me it’s the 5 minutes of daylight & constant drizzle.

Do not move to Wales. I’ve spent a lot of time in Wales.

Yes it is the lack of light that is throwing my body clock out of kilter. The cold is ok. Oh well, I guess I will get used to it.

Where are you from OP?

I hope your taking a reasonably high dose of vitamin d. You need it here.

Things to help you get through winter...
Hot buttered crumpets
Gentleman's Relish on toast
Bunches of fresh flowers
Cheese and a glass of port
Homemade soup, especially pea & ham, French onion, bacon & bean
Growing spring bulbs, tulips etc
Hot puddings with custard
Casseroles with dumplings
Celebrating Chinese New Year

I fell asleep for 2 hrs this afternoon bcos it was so dark
Come and live in Norway next

You could buy one of those lamps that simulate daylight

Make sure you get out in some fresh air whenever you can. Get a warm raincoat. I prefer any weather to windy and rainy so as soon as it’s not both of those I’m out. Go and explore on foot.

Coming on to second taking vitamin d - for the whole family. Make sure you get out and about when it is dry even if only 20 mins - we rarely go a day without going outside for a walk/bike ride/playground. Sometimes means having to rearrange the day a little e.g. giving the kids a substantial snack so that they can hold out later for lunch to make the most of any crack of sunshine. Keep the screen time/board games/books for 4pm onwards when there is little else to do. Keep wipes and plastic bags in the car for muddy shoes etc. Old towel in the bag/car for drying off equipment in the playground (if your child is of that age!). Main meal at lunch and soups/warm salad/eggs for dinner. Easier to digest and get a good sleep than a big stew or stodgy meal.

I moved here from Aus in my 20s so I can sympathise, that said here in the UK we have the lovely long light evenings in summer to compensate.

Wow thanks for all the replies. Am from India. Already taking Vitamin D for covid reasons. Luckily dont have little kids, only DS (16) who is completely independent.

@AdaColeman that is a lovely list. Been enjoying British cheeses and will try some of your reccos.

Just eat loads, read a lot and get lots of early nights. Basically hibernate as much as possible. The cold bit of winter has yet to come. Jan/Feb are bitter but once March comes you can start to think about your garden and getting stuff planted for spring/summer (I realise you may not have a garden but window boxes/ hanging baskets/pots all count too or of course you can rent an allotment)

I think Karen from Will&Grace has it about right

Glad to know hibernating and eating a lot is the way through. I have just eaten a whole bowl of roast potatoes to bulk up for January.

@Frequentflier

Glad to know hibernating and eating a lot is the way through. I have just eaten a whole bowl of roast potatoes to bulk up for January.

😂😂.. you're doing good! . Definitely try and get out for a walk in the daytime (whatever the weather - it's less depressing when you're out), then by evening (well 4pm) you'll be happy to be indoors and all cosy. Yes to nice cheeses and soups etc. Netflix?

Drink Quarantinies, under the home made midnight sun that can be ordered here :- www.amazon.co.uk/s?ref=nb_sb_noss_2&k=Sad+lights&tag=mumsnetforu03-21