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 😂

Couldn't agree more. I'm sure it just makes me more miserable.

If you have the right clothes it's fine. I was feeling miserable yesterday and went for a walk . It was sunny though cold. I had gloves, thermal hat and long puffer coat. It really lifted my spirits. If you're trudging around in the mud in a dingy area it won't help so pick your route. Maybe join a walking group?

Another gray and rainy day. My Seasalt Janelle is worth its weight in gold, even if it is roundly abused on Style and Beauty.

I have all the right clothes and I’m in a dog walking group with friends where we do lots of lovely country routes. It’s ok - but 100 times better in the nice weather. Roll on spring and summer.

Anything that costs less than £500 and doesn't looks like a hessian sack gets abused on S&B

There are no right clothes for when the freezing cold rain is hitting you sideways in the face and soaking the bits of your legs that aren't covered by coat - this is what most of the Irish winter has been like. Cold and sunny is fine but we've had months and months of grey and wet. I live in a beautiful area but no hat, gloves or walking group could make leaving the house less depressing when it's like this.

Wholeheartedly agree. I don't care what you're wearing, walking in the cold and rain is deeply unappealing.

Taking my cue from the title, and making my second hot chocolate of the day. With some Bombay Mix. Not watching my diet until the weather gets better.

It was almost daylight when I left work yesterday, and light before I left home in the morning so Daylight is Coming! Hopefully the rains will let up a bit too although new wellies are helping a bit my favourite walk is by the river and has been flooded for most of January.

@Lentilweaver I totally agree. Diets are for when we are bathed in light. Now is the time for carbs and sweet treats 😋

I am fed up. It’s dark, dank, raining, snowing, cold and grey. Plus goose hunting and arghhhhhhhhh.

Having the right clothes isn’t making anything any better. Even a large bag of Haribo isn’t helping.
rant over.

I hate walks in the damp cold. I did however buy a cheap walking pad which I think is really helping with my mood. Now in the evenings instead of crashing in front of the TV I have a walk in front of the TV which does seem to be lifting my mood and making me feel less tired. On days I don't make 8000 steps during the day I make them up on the walking pad and barely notice I am exercising.

It's pay day but December looms. I'm doing OK mainly because I am coming out of a longish virus and so am relieved.

My long term health is slightly better.
Overall I'm a bit more positive if a little too busy.

How are we all then?

Hello all, here we go again.
How is everyone.
Just to say I have solar power and my group track sunshine hours. This November is almost 35% less sun that the last 5 years. So it's no surprise it's a bit hard on the mood. Here's to sunny December xx

I have been hibernating in bed at 4pm with comforting TV shows and books since the clocks changed. I get up early to exercise and stick to a routine which sort of helps. I hate all this and feel tired and depressed. I live for my winter holidays and that blast of sun and hope for a good spring and summer.

I send sunny thoughts to you all.

Hello fellow winter haters
im not doing too bad so far all things considered but I tend to run into more trouble later in the winter
I keep telling myself that the shortening days are nearly over and come the 23 dec each day will be slightly lighter

Definitely with you OP. And it’s the dark days as well as the nights - sometimes it feels like day has never dawned! DB suffers from SAD & has found a light box helpful. I often wonder if I have it too as gloomy days really affect my mood & I often feel physically ill when it’s not sunny.

Morning all. @Hobnobswantshernameback yep that's definitely it for me. I start off thinking I've got this and it just falls off a cliff at some point.

In the last year I've managed to claw back some physical health. I have upped my exercise a fair bit which feels great. Because I can't walk very well I swim pretty fast early mornings. I just can't do the drive to the pool along the country lanes when it's dark and potentially icy (I'm honestly not a nervous driver but I don't like those lanes). Luckily I can shift my work day and go lunchtimes. But I need to get up early to start work to do that. It's defo less appealing!

@Babasghost I'm interested in that statistic - where's that from?

@lyingonthebeach yep routine is good for me too. Always. Now I just need to remember that.

https://x.com/metmatttaylor/status/1863474141447303608?s=46

interesting info
brighter days are coming

That’s good to know @Hobnobswantshernameback Since getting a dog I’ve found going for walks in all weathers has really helped - as long as I’m out in daylight at some point during the day I feel better. I work f/t but hybridly so my wfh days allow this - if I’m in the office it’s hard to muster enthusiasm to go out in the pouring rain, especially as I don’t have my wet weather gear with me. I definitely notice the difference in my mood.

Am doing a lot better this year. Boring as it may seem, I think it's to do with upping my exercise. Also HRT.
And joining a film club.

I'm in the Irish solar owners FB group we do monthly stats.
In the last 5 years this Nov is only beaten by Dec 23 for the gloomiest low sunlight hours month.

Continuing a theme- flaming heck it's dark!