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Original poster

Thread for anyone struggling at the thought of long dark evenings #hotchocandhyggetypesnotyourthread

409 replies

Hobnobswantshernameback · 30/10/2022 10:41

I hate the long dark evenings.
I know they are inevitable.
But every year is worse. Think it's also coupled to menopause symptoms where my general mood and anxiety levels are dreadful.
During the working week November to T he end of February I barely see daylight.
I try and get as much as I can but it's tricky to get outside during the working day
i take vitamin D. I exercise as much as I can.
I do try and embrace the seasons. But I just feel really daunted this year by the thought of it being dark so early
anyone want to commiserate or share any coping strategies
And no I don't want to snuggle under a blankie with a hot choc
just in case anyone thinks that's what I need 😂

OP posts:
Original poster
Hobnobswantshernameback · 25/02/2023 09:26

not sure if anyone still following but wanted to update that I'm just back after a week of sunshine
it was incredible and made me realise the two things that make me feel
calmest are the sea and plenty of sunshine
It wasn't too hot so I sat out doors from the minute I got up til it was dark.
I feel like a different person
now to survive the home straight of winter
Very excited this week to start work on my veg garden
I feel like I've had an infusion of energy this last week

OP posts:
HeraldicBlazoning · 25/02/2023 10:21

This last week has been so much nicer. Light later. Light when I get up at 7.30. Went out for a walk yesterday and spotted lots of buds on plants and daffodils almost through.

BogRollBOGOF · 25/02/2023 10:41

It annoys me that we're there slogging and crawling through the extra couple of minutes of lighter evenings day by day until they get to an acceptable level, and then you get to late March and bam! Here's an extra hour for you, light until 8pm. I love the light, but please, couldn't it be given to us sooner when it was a massive slog through the darkness!

It's a real lift seeing the early bulbs and flowers getting going. Power to the snowdrops, crocuses and forsythia!
The grass is greening up and losing that tired, salted look now.

I had a run a few weeks back and it was one of those dull, lurking kinds of days. There was a section of the run where everything was grey/ black/ dull dark brown. There is colour creeping back now thank goodness.

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about these subjects:

General health Menopause Women's health
Original poster
Hobnobswantshernameback · 25/02/2023 11:09

Amazed how just being out doors so much more and the longer light days (only slightly) made me feel so much fresher and clear headed

OP posts:
SirChenjins · 25/02/2023 13:25

I was thinking about this thread on my earllt morning dog walk (in the daylight! 🥳) and wondered how everyone was getting on. Having those few extra hours of daylight on my commute and dog walks, watching the wildlife, plants and trees coming back to life has raised my mood immensely. The daffodils are out in my garden - spring and summer are on their way!

stilldumdedumming · 24/10/2023 22:53

Hello all. The threads about how bloody marvellous it all is in the dark have started. Are we to resurrect this safe haven? Or perhaps start afresh.

I really valued your company last year. I love autumn when everything is a bit muted but it's beginning to turn again and I am determined to do better this time. Guess what! I've been taking my vit D religiously!

megletthesecond · 24/10/2023 22:57

Happy to carry on as we were.
It's raining here. I get out every day for a jog or brisk walk but the winter days are all consuming. And not in a cosy way.

CrapBucket · 24/10/2023 23:02

Oh yes, thank you, I need my understanding winter-haters. Sending light.

stilldumdedumming · 25/10/2023 07:14

Every year I feel like I'm going to do better. This year for the first time ever I've got down ā supplement regime. I take loads because I couldn't manage HRT. It's really helped and yet I don't hold out hope at it seeing me through. .

Two opposing issues this winter on a personal note.

My disability has got a lot worse meaning I'm very heavy and it's really hard to get out because walking is very slow and difficult.

My dd is expecting a boy on Christmas Day! We are being positive about this . She's young and has dropped out of uni. I'm a bit worried about how she will cope, but it will be very distracting at least!

SirChenjins · 25/10/2023 12:40

Hello again everyone! I wondered if this thread was going to be resurrected - thanks @stilldumdedumming Smile

The dark nights and crap weather have returned sadly, and my mood is already shifting downwards. Got myself kitted out with a snazzy new coat for walking the dog (who has become quite skittish and barky - he's obviously not liking these shadows that appear from the darkness) and am trying to embrace casseroles and vegging on the sofa watching TV under artificial light. So far, I'm not feeling the love at all.

SirChenjins · 25/10/2023 12:40

Congratulations on your new Christmas addition @stilldumdedumming!

sleepwouldbenice · 25/10/2023 15:43

Oooh can I join
I can feel the long dark nights pending and it fills me with dread
Although just got a nice surprise as it was actually quite warm on my dog walk!

Bubbles254 · 25/10/2023 15:51

It was so nice having the unexpected sun earlier in October but I am starting to feel the gloom now. I bought a sad lamp for the first time and last week I kept it on most of the day whilst working at my desk. No idea if this is a bad idea but it made me feel a bit better whilst it was on.

I normally get into a negative spiral in the winter of low energy, lack of exercise and poor sleep but am determined to not let that happen this year.

stilldumdedumming · 25/10/2023 18:20

I am thinking about an SAD lamp too. Any recommendations?

Bubbles254 · 25/10/2023 19:23

I have the lumie vitamin L which does boost my mood whilst sitting next to it. Might be worth waiting for black Friday offers. If you buy it direct from lumie I saw they offer to refund if you think it is not helping.

Ulysses · 28/10/2023 07:22

Hello again! I am feeling the gloom and hoping I can take steps to make myself a bit brighter.

DD12 has borrowed my Lumie for her room - she likes its brightness for TikTok videos. I’ve little chance of getting it back.

I need to up my exercise. We have a puppy who is six months but is a little Italian Greyhound who hates the rain and cold. We did go for a fairly lengthy walk through the woods yesterday though in between showers and it’s looking a bit brighter later today so I’ll take her a bit further afield.

LlynTegid · 28/10/2023 07:25

I hate dark evenings, cold not the issue for me.

Have booked a weekend away in November, find a break somewhere, even a day out to somewhere I don't go to often is a help. Also value a regular sauna too.

Original poster
Hobnobswantshernameback · 29/10/2023 10:55

Ahh how lovely to see this thread has come back to life.
Was going to start a new one but this is grand.
here we go again! Have been dreading the clock change for the last few weeks.
Decided to try and start positively
So
Vitamin D has been taken for weeks and dose will go up now with drop in daylight.
Sun is out today so have taken a longer route out for breakfast to make the most.
Have been getting in a good pattern with exercise for the last couple of months so will try and keep that up.
Planning late winter holiday like the last two years which helped hugely.
Still hating the cosy hygge hot choc brigade with a passion 😂😂😂

OP posts:
TheScenicWay · 29/10/2023 11:18

Ah yes. Back to dark evenings which I detest so much. I was hoping to get out for a bit to reduce my annoyance for later but it's raining.
Never mind, I'll put on my raincoat and take a walk up to the high street to get some vitamin d.

I've got some apples from the garden to use up so I'm making an apple crumble for tonight and some apple cinnamon muffins for packed lunches.

I've done some cleaning, lit a nice scented candle, having a coffee, got plans for some cupboard clearing later, getting everything ready for the week ahead then some tv.
I'm really trying!

Original poster
Hobnobswantshernameback · 29/10/2023 11:20

Got that countdown to the solstice going in my head already

OP posts:
Lentilweaver · 29/10/2023 11:29

Was just about to go out for a walk and it's pissing down. But am taking up swimming at least twice a week this year. My pool is cheery and with a library and cafe attached. I don't want to spend this winter watching crap Netflix every evening.

Planning a break in January too.

Original poster
Hobnobswantshernameback · 29/10/2023 17:25

Deep breaths
We can do this
Hating looking out at the dark already but am cooking a roast and watching the footie and determined to emerge in December with my mental and physical health doing ok

OP posts:
SirChenjins · 29/10/2023 18:00

It’s poured down yesterday and today here, and the weather forecast for the rest of the week is for more of the same. The dog still needs walked so I’m out in all weathers but getting clothes and a dog dried 2 or 3 times a day gets a bit tiresome. Nothing we can do about it except count the days till Spring!

WinterWitchy · 29/10/2023 22:05

54 days until the nights start getting lighter! Bleugh, tonight was difficult when it got dark so early, it’s poured down all day here and has been dismal. I’m just back in from dog walking and squelching through the mud wasn’t pleasant, thank goodness for Equafleeces to keep the worst of the mud at bay.

userxx · 30/10/2023 08:28

54 days until the nights start getting lighter!

thank you!!! This has made it doable. I’ve got a pup and not looking forward to winter walking 😬. He’s so low to the ground and completely drenched in this weather.