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Original poster

Getting through the winter

75 replies

PeacheyPeach · 12/09/2023 22:01

I know we are not even in Autumn yet but I have a sense of dread about the winter months!!
I hate the cold and how dark it gets so early!
How do you all cope with the winter?
What do you do for activities so that you're not just at home with the curtains drawn by 4pm !!

OP posts:
Nothingbuttheglory · 19/10/2023 18:05

The Ffern podcast, its called As The Season Turns.

GreeboIsMySpiritAnimal · 19/10/2023 18:57

I was reminded today - after I fell arse over tit in it whilst walking the dog - of another thing I loathe about winter.

Sodding bastard mud.

ukgot2pot · 19/10/2023 23:15

I struggle so much with it. I feel the depression starting to creep in around September, as I know what's coming.... I am trying to force myself to see the positives this year and ignore it as much as possible, but it's so very hard.

I've been trying to go to gym more regularly, light some nice candles in my room and been relaxing in bed with a nice hot chocolate. I also count down the days and take it step by step until spring to see those glorious light nights again.

Comedycook · 19/10/2023 23:20

ukgot2pot · 19/10/2023 23:15

I struggle so much with it. I feel the depression starting to creep in around September, as I know what's coming.... I am trying to force myself to see the positives this year and ignore it as much as possible, but it's so very hard.

I've been trying to go to gym more regularly, light some nice candles in my room and been relaxing in bed with a nice hot chocolate. I also count down the days and take it step by step until spring to see those glorious light nights again.

I'm the same...I start to feel a horrible sense of doom. I'm dreading the clocks changing. I start to feel better after Christmas as by then we've had the shortest day and each day slowly gets a little bit lighter. I'd love to take a holiday somewhere hot and sunny over Christmas.

Gymnopedie · 20/10/2023 00:03

Although the shortest day is the 21st it starts getting lighter at night, even if only by 20 seconds or so, from the 19th. And it doesn't get darker any earlier after the 9th. So I always feel better from the 9th 'cos that's as bad as it gets, then again from the 19th as it may still be dark, but at least it's going in the right direction.

IfOnlyOurEyesSawSouls · 20/10/2023 00:29

Following :)

43ontherocksporfavor · 22/10/2023 18:14

Me too @Gymnopedie and I notice it on my daily dog walks.

Comedycook · 22/10/2023 18:17

Gymnopedie · 20/10/2023 00:03

Although the shortest day is the 21st it starts getting lighter at night, even if only by 20 seconds or so, from the 19th. And it doesn't get darker any earlier after the 9th. So I always feel better from the 9th 'cos that's as bad as it gets, then again from the 19th as it may still be dark, but at least it's going in the right direction.

Oh, I like this...will bear in mind. Might help keep me going.

Original poster
PeacheyPeach · 22/10/2023 20:13

Oh I love this , knowing that it can't get darker by the 9th, I always start counting down from 21st anyway!!!
I

OP posts:
PrintersCourt · 22/10/2023 21:36

It’s the darkness for me, I can’t see well enough to do anything by the time I get home. I bought a light-up make-up mirror a few years ago and it’s made such a difference getting ready in the mornings but the rest of the time 🤦🏻 How on Earth do people do DIY when there’s no natural light?!

Snowpaw · 23/10/2023 09:05

I have made a thing with my 4yr old daughter that we do "nighttime walks" after tea - she loves it because it feels like an unusual adventure for her. We bundle up and go out just for a 20 minute run about round the village and she absolutely loves it. Sometimes we take a torch or glow sticks. Gets her energy out before bed and I like getting the fresh air. I come home and feel like I have earned my evening in front of the TV.

Original poster
PeacheyPeach · 23/10/2023 12:25

@Snowpaw I love this idea, I love a good walk x even if it's just around to the shop and getting something for dessert after dinner would be a good idea, like you say just getting a last bit of fresh air before bed x
@PrintersCourt I know I can never find the right light to do my makeup at night time at winter, I end up always getting a bit heavy with it as I cant see properly!!!

OP posts:
letmesailletmesail · 23/10/2023 13:01

One of the best things for me is having found two local friends (they were just acquaintances) who don't mind walking whatever the weather. One wfh permanently and the other is hybrid but one of her days overlaps with one of my days wfh. If my online meetings allow (and I try and arrange my diary so it does) this means that, twice a week, I get half an hour outside in daylight and a chance to have a catch up

Sloth66 · 24/10/2023 19:08

@Snowpaw what a great idea. Just 20 minutes can make such a difference.
I wfh and try to have a walk after work most days, it will be in the dark from next week, but I think I sleep better for it.

Original poster
PeacheyPeach · 24/10/2023 20:59

Went for a lovely walk today 😊 was so great being outside and just getting fresh air, I actually felt tired when we came home!!!

OP posts:
ManchesterLu · 24/10/2023 21:17

I have lots of baths, make sure I have nice candles and fluffy blankets, plenty of series to binge watch, lots of books to read, nice (but nutritious) food that I can throw in the slow cooker to make nice stews etc. I also try to have things to look forward to like meals with family, or nights out with friends.

Basically I hate winter and just have to take care of myself the absolute best I can until summer comes around again.

I hate the fact that almost half the year makes me feel like shit, if I ever have the money I'll definitely be the kind of person who spends a few months of the year overseas.

Original poster
PeacheyPeach · 25/10/2023 00:20

I need some good suggestions for tv series. Until I'm a celebrity starts I need something to watch in the evening,!!??

OP posts:
GreeboIsMySpiritAnimal · 25/10/2023 00:30

Have you seen the Interview with a Vampire series on iPlayer? I loved it.

springbabydays · 25/10/2023 00:35

Put some bird feeders up in the garden. Watching them out the window and knowing I'm helping them through a tough time of year is enormously good for my wellbeing.

They are also entertaining at times, and it's interesting to see how many different species will visit.

43ontherocksporfavor · 25/10/2023 08:22

@springbabydays I’m going to buy some today- 😊 Thanks.

BigDahliaFan · 25/10/2023 08:48

Vitamin D
getting outside in daylight as much as possible….so a walk at lunchtime and I walk in and out of work.
long walks at weekend

accept that winter is a bit hibernation….so fire on, box set.

I make sure to get out in the evening at least once a week…usually pub quiz..im not that fussed on it but gets me out the house.

invite friends round for dinner.

I’ve joined a gym recently so I go after work and do a class so at least I’ve done something before I sit on the sofa.

we try and take the dog out I. The evening ….but she doesn’t like the dark and my in laws take her out for 2 long walks in the day….

43ontherocksporfavor · 25/10/2023 08:51

Definitely having a dog has really helped because she has to go out and we love walking anyway. But I’ve noticed the changes in light and nature’s growth in Jan to March so much now. I used to think nothing happens but if you pay attention you see it and it gives you hope.

Original poster
PeacheyPeach · 25/10/2023 11:28

Love all these suggestions. Yes I think getting out in the evening is a great suggestion aswell. My problem is feeling trapped in the house from 4oclock ( I work from home) . If I'm out even once a week, it just will loosen up that feeling I think.
I'm definitely going to try to be more social this winter!

OP posts:
Redcase · 18/12/2023 15:44

How’s everyone getting on with their winter plans??

Original poster
PeacheyPeach · 20/12/2023 22:43

@Redcase well I've been poorly for most of the winter 😅 did make lots of plans but we've had to cancel them!!
On the other hand I've not felt as depressed as I usually do so I think changing my mindset has helped!! And making plans for spring is getting me through these dark evenings!

How about you xxxx

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