So I was going to post yesterday, but when I sat down to start writing, all that came out was pure negativity.
Mostly whining about the weather, sprinkled with some general life disappointment and poor-me complaints.
Since I try to keep this blog a positive place–both for your sake and mine (negativity = not a habit I want to encourage, even in my head)–I scrapped the post and called the day a wash. If you don’t have anything nice to say, right?
The problem is: it’s now the next day, and I’m in the same mindset.
I don’t think I’m the only one, either.
Pretty sure that’s my expression 90% of the time these days, too.
Maybe it’s because I haven’t breathed fresh air–besides the few desperate swallows I get while running to/from the car–for months. Maybe it’s because feeling cranky makes me not want to work out, and not working out makes me cranky (vicious catch-22). Maybe it’s because we’re in that time of year when all the produce at the grocery store looks pitiful and all the cheesy/carby/sugary food looks cozy and delicious.
Whatever’s causing it, I decided it was time to go ahead and be real about it. I’m pretty legitimately worried that you wouldn’t hear from me for a few months otherwise.
I’m Kim and I’m a warm-weather-aholic. The withdrawal is killing me.
Every “solution” feels like a temporary fix, at best. Sure, I feel pretty good after a workout or a yoga class. Eating right helps. Sleeping helps. Socializing helps.
But at the end of the day, the fact remains that I’m putting up with something that isn’t even an issue in other parts of the country. Recognizing that where I live is technically a “choice” is definitely something that does not help.
So what do I do now? Go back to browsing vacation sites, hoping that by some miracle there will be condo rentals and plane tickets to happier places that don’t cost more than I can justify?
Keep daydreaming about retirement, when I can become a snowbird?
Spend hours on Facebook, scrolling through pictures of warmer (better) times?
Or just suck it up and eat some chocolate like everyone else?
Fellow cold weather survivors: what are your tips for getting through these last months of winter?
This funk better wear off soon!
xoxo
K
{ 31 comments… read them below or add one }
I’m in a serious funk too. I hate winter. That might sound dramatic, but it’s true. I’m SO over it. I wake up every morning, check the temperature, see that it is HORRIBLE, say ‘ugh’, and then carry on with the day, waiting for spring to come. SO please help ME get out of my funk! haha
char eats greens recently posted…why i didn’t blog yesterday + my random life
We are having the COLDEST winter in as long as I can remember (Hello Ottawa Canada-yes it’s cold here) but my best advice is to bundle up and just try to enjoy it. Luckily we have a dog, so we are out EVERYDAY, cold or not and as long as I dress warmly, once I get moving, it really isn’t all that bad…buuut since Winter lasts 6-7 months here we have to do something’-> if you can’t beat ’em ..join em…or go some where hot STAT…
Yes, I’d like the “go somewhere hot” option! :)
I do have intentions to get into something like skiing/snowboarding, so I’ll at least have something to look forward to about winter, but I’m not quite there yet. I imagine if anyone knows what real winter is all about, it’s you Canadians!!! Bravo to you for still getting out there!
I know this will sound crazy, but try to go on a walk. outside. get some fresh air. hopefully it will give you a pick me up.
Katie recently posted…Peace Perspective V: Dance
But it’s so coooooold Katieeee. No I know you’re right. :) The one time I went out and shoveled the driveway, I came back in feeling totally rejuvenated. I think if I had proper outerwear it would probably help. My winter coat might as well be a spring jacket for all the warmth it provides.
I know, but seriously put on 2 long sleeves, a sweatshirt, your jacket, a good scarf of neck warmer, hat, mittens. get out there. You need it. Bonus points if you can find a crazy friend to join you.
Katie recently posted…Swim Session 4: Forwards and Backwards
Well I was lucky enough to go on vacation for a week so I’m feeling much better! BUT it is rare that I get to go on vacation during the winter and in those cases I honestly go tanning. I know it isn’t the best for you but I go strictly to lay in warmth for a few minutes. I only go once a week (if even) and I only set the bed for like 6-8 minutes. Just long enough to feel a little better. I never let myself burn. It truly does help me with the cold weather blues.
YESSS I used to do that too!! The warmth felt sooo nice, and I used to always swear that it helped with winter blues, too.
Sort of working on that vacation thing…not getting my hopes up though. :) Glad you got to get away!!
This winter has been horrid! I highly recommend the one pound bar of chocolate at Trader Joe’s. I break off a piece just when I need it. Spring will be here soon right?
Carrie recently posted…My First Barre Workout
GREAT idea.
Spring never comes soon enough for me! :)
SAME BOAT! I’m in the Midwest. I feel like I’ve been in a terrible mood for months, and it’s crazy to feel exhausted from not doing anything!
I have a Happy Light, and I think it helps. I also try to find something to look forward to (today: the 10 day forecast is all double digits!)
Karen recently posted…emergency game party
Haha isn’t that sad that double digit temps are such perks for us? But it’s true…
I really might have to look into one of those happy lights!
Winter can SUCK IT!
Presley @ Run Pretty recently posted…Scheduling Conflicts + Another “Snow” Day
That was incredibly over the top of me, am I right? I need to chill. But just know that you are not alone… haha
Presley @ Run Pretty recently posted…Scheduling Conflicts + Another “Snow” Day
No I think you summed the whole thing up perfectly in the first comment. Pretty sure I’ve never wanted anything to suck it so much in my life. I appreciate the support but was that you wearing a T-shirt outside on instagram the other day?? Haha so jealllouuuuusssssss, I’d give anything for even 30 degrees. 30!!!!!!!
(Sorry, I’m obviously losing it a little. Only a few more months!! *vomit*)
I am totally with you! I choose to live here and I HATE our winters…gah! We are seriously contemplating going on a trip in March just for something to look forward to… sorry I am not much help ;)
Katie @ Daily Cup of Kate recently posted…College Reunion
That actually does help!! I’m always wondering if I’m the only one who hates them this much. I know everybody complains, but are they at my level of pure contempt?? haha.
We’ve been talking about a March vacay too…not sure if it’ll pan out, but it’s been fun to do the internet browsing. :)
I hear you… for the first time in my life actually, I’m experiencing some bad cabin fever. Maybe mine is because I have an 11 month old that is difficult to transport in the winter weather or that’s probably an excuse. I have no idea, but I’m going a little crazy over here too. I have decided that I have to get out of the house and get to the gym now because those endorphins are really the only thing that helps. Oh yea, we’re teething over here and getting some sub par sleep that makes me more grouchy.
Ali recently posted…MIM 011 | My Breastfeeding Journey Through 11 Months
Oh I’m sure the 11 month old is part of it! That was part of the reason I was eager to go back to work before winter hit–I wasn’t sure I’d survive being a SAHM with a toddler! Plus, you just feel so bad that you can’t let them go out… hang in there, and I hope those teeth pop themselves out asap!!
Have you ever tried a light box? I’ve seen them for as low as 30 dollars at Costco, but you can get them plenty of places. That can help mood an awful lot. I wrote a post a few weeks ago about thriving in the winter: http://fightingforwellness.wordpress.com/2014/01/28/thriving-in-the-winter-and-steps-to-stay-healthy/
The fact is, though, that is is definitely more work every day and it’s crappy that sometimes we feel we have to just tolerate it. I’m definitely there with you!
Caroline recently posted…Homemade Lactose Free Hot Chocolate {with a few variations}
I’ve heard of light boxes but never tried one. Maybe I should look into that. First, off to check out your post!!
I feel for you. I’ve been to the midwest multiple times during the winter because my grandparents live out there, and I just don’t know how people do it! I live in Utah where it’s sunny a decent amount of days throughout the winter (despite the snow and cold temps), and I barely survive. I don’t know what to tell you other than that you seem to be doing the right things! I would definitely look into a weekend trip somewhere sunny and warmer.
Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries recently posted…How I Know When to Rest
Going to have my husband come and read that last sentence. :) :)
I’m right there with you!! I would stay inside and never go out during these cold snowy days if I could. And, I never feel that bad complaining about the cold because i actually did not choose to live in Kansas – plus I never complain about the heat in the summer!! I just keep telling myself that this is my 16th winter in Kansas and I only have about 6 more – then it’s all beach all the time!!!
Kim recently posted…Off my Game a Bit but Totally Nailed my Step Goal!!!
I’ll never let anyone hear me complain about heat either! Way too precious, even in extremes. :)
I am with you! I can’t take this anymore, I can’t even function!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine recently posted…Will You Be My Valentine? Chocolate Raspberry Heartcakes
I have to be honest: this little bit of complaining (and the supportive comments that came from it) did help! :)
Hang in there!! It’s almost over! And then we will be complaining that it is SO HOT! ;) Is that pic on the boat in St. Lucia? It looks like it – that’s where Scott and I went on our honeymoon.
I will neeeevverrr complain about the heat! Even on the most scorching days I’ve ever experienced in southern Mexico, I refused to admit I was hot, haha. That pic was in Cabo!
Ugh…I totally get it! This cold, snowy weather has got to go! I’m totally over it and I definitely am in the same funk. I’m tired of the cold, I’m tired of the snow and figuring out how to get places when the roads are bad. It’s just all SO annoying! I want summer!!!
Holly @ EatGreatBEGreat recently posted…10 Things You May Not Know About Me
Yesssss. My frustration usually starts the day after Christmas (I do love our pretty white Christmases), and I finally hit the breaking point. No more!!