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

[Hobnobswantshernameback]

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 😂

Of course it started raining again!

Yes it is here too despite all the forecasts saying it was going to be dry.
All those people who adore winter bang on about going for long walks on crisp, sunny days; which I agree is lovely.
But realistically how many days do we get like that in the Uk during winter? Probably 10 at most when most people are working.

I’ve been out in the shitty dark rainy shite, when do my endorphins get to hear about this?

@CrapBucket no idea, will let you know when mine get the message. Hoping for a few dry days. Maybe then…

I managed to get out for a long dog walk when it was dry this morning and definitely felt better for it - but the heavens opened on the drive home and so I spent the afternoon plonked in front of the telly watching the rain and trying not to think about going back to work tomorrow. That pretty much cancelled out all the endorphins I’d built up on my walk.

I love the sun and the heat, so these are not good things for me.

I like Christmas, so can cope till then, but my mood drops like a stone as soon as January arrives. The past few winters I've been borderline suicidal, despite doing all the "right things" - fresh air, exercise, Vitamin D, a light box, etc, etc...

As soon as the clocks go forward it's like the gloom lifts and I'm a different person. I'm determined that once DH and I retire, it'll be to southern Spain, and that day can't come too soon.

How can anyone say this is the best time of the year? It's dark from 3pm to 9am, it's grey in between and hasn't stopped raining in weeks. It's utter utter shit. I want to be in Barbados.

@sanityisamyth I so know. Too utterly grey and grim :(

I agree @sanityisamyth I also hate how lethargic I become over winter - it’s so easy to become immobile for hours on end in the long dark evenings.

Spring is on the horizon! 🌼

Lovely! 😊

I almost bought daffodils in Lidl yesterday! But I decided to save my money and just be glad they exist somewhere, doesn’t have to be in my house. Then it snowed on me as I left the shop. Fucking bastard SNOW.

I am afraid that daffs/snow drops etc are no help. It's cold, still dark (another minute of light every day?? Raaaagghhhhh!!!!!) and now we have said bye to the few days of blue sky. I hate it and just want to hibernate until real spring (warmer weather and blue skies) comes. Sorry for the rant but I need to rant. Thanks

no Sun here today and doubt we'll get beyond about 4 degrees
energy levels are still crap
i need some sun on my face and some warmth
my joints are so sore despite vitamin d being taken
and I'm fed up of layers
either fifty tons of waterproofs and coats and spare socks for the walk to work
or thermals and two pairs of socks etc

I am particularly fed up of letting the dog in and out and it’s cold and his paws need wiping every time.

It's too, too grey. I actually feel weepy! It's draining and boring and I just want some 🌞

This is the worst thing about winter. I don't mind walking the dog during the day when it's light and we can get out into the countryside and I can see where I'm going even if it's chucking it down, but this endless trudging round the streets in the rain and darkness is getting to me. ChenDog has also decided that he's going to mix things up a bit, so after getting dressed for the bad weather (him and me) he'll often decide that once he's done his business and had a quick sniff of the field at the end of the road he's had enough and wants to go home.

I wouldn't mind having a '"deep rest" if I was a bear 🐻 and didn't need to go to work, look after my teens and the house.

I do hope to retire to a town in the south west when I'm older. I don't think I can do inland winters for the rest of my life. We have no outdoor swimming anywhere near here, I'm sure it would help a bit.

Me too. There’s nothing actually wrong with my life but I had a little cry yesterday,
Think I’m going to run away to the sun.

I AM running away to the sun for a few days. Last minute decision yesterday. Nowhere particularly glam or special but it will be warm, bright and fairly sunny. The thought has made me feel so much happier. For few days at least, I'll hopefully feel brighter too. 😄

I know a lot of people swear by a walk but I do not see how people can possibly enjoy going for a walk in the freezing cold. At my age before too long I need a wee anyway! I also work plus it rains an awful lot so when is the opportunity to go for regular walks in the British climate? It just isn't viable!

Heh. That's me. But I am in London so I just build walking into my day rather than take the Tube.

It is easier to need to walk in London. I now live outside London gave up my car and thought I wd be walking a lot more but it is just two or three times a week. Errands or walking to the Bus stop. Weather completely against it.

I take magnesium which helps mood somewhat.

Yes , and London also has lights, bustling crowds, shops etc to make things feel a bit more lively. I would do really badly anywhere rural. Would just go into hibernation.
Today I checked that everyone is taking Vitamin D. I think DD had run out.