Viewing a single comment thread. View all comments

weakenedstrain t1_j1z4lzm wrote

Winter sports/activities help lots. Snowshoeing, skiing (xcountry or downhill), skating, sledding. Having a reason to enjoy what little daylight we get makes winter not just a chore, but a benefit.

Also having good dark time activities: board games, video games, books, and such. If you can make winter a time to look forward to for its unique benefits it’s less of a sad time and something to look forward to.

Seasonal Affective Disorder is also a real thing. If you find yourself just down for no apparent reason, consider getting a sun lamp to put on your desk or workspace during the day.

Welcome and good luck!

160

houndshmix t1_j1zcguf wrote

This is great advice. Also, don’t fall too heavy on substances (including caffeine,) and consider getting a small sun lamp- I have a cheap one from Amazon that cheers me up when I get home from work at five and it’s already dark. Do not let up on these practices until May, lol. Sometimes April hits me hardest, when it seems like it should be warmer but it’s still muddy and miserable outside.

49

houndshmix t1_j1zclrj wrote

Ps- if you’re lonely, go hang out at a cafe or become a regular at your local library. My weekly librarian chats are the best, year round!

34

weakenedstrain t1_j1zekw8 wrote

Local libraries are CLUTCH. Many have great activities and groups, and they’re also just a great place to sit and work or relax.

31

wackybones t1_j217b3v wrote

Can you tell me the name of the sun lamp I'm depressed af

5

Far-Elderberry-3583 t1_j2502f5 wrote

Just do a product search on the Amazon website for Sun Lamps they have many different brands and styles and ranges in price.

1

rdstrmfblynch79 t1_j2064pj wrote

I don't think you need an extra lamp in may (or even really much past end of march given the amount of sunlight in those months is the same as the summer) but otherwise I think these are all good suggestions

0

curtludwig t1_j1zjqoa wrote

To add: Don't bundle up into your warmest clothes the first time it gets cold in the fall. Your body will acclimate (at least a little) to colder temps. If you never experience cold your body won't acclimate and you'll just be cold all the time.

Once you've acclimated some you'll probably find that you don't need your heaviest jacket like you thought you would.

Finally sitting around and bitching about the cold just makes you more miserable. It irritates everybody around you too.

33

same-shit-everyday OP t1_j1zf7o9 wrote

thank you so much i’m kinda fall/winter person and this comment is very helpful 💕

13

weakenedstrain t1_j1zh14a wrote

Glad to hear. I was thinking more philosophically/mental health. But all the comments about layers are absolutely true and essential. It took me years to convince my wife to try a vest. She didn’t understand how a vest could keep her extremities warm.

Get a vest. They work wonders!

10

badhmorrigan t1_j1zcply wrote

A happy light helps soooooo much, definitely second that.

11

weakenedstrain t1_j1zenoz wrote

There are very affordable ones out there, much cheaper than the hours of therapy that are also beneficial!

6

OriginalGordol t1_j1zra5i wrote

>Also having good dark time activities: board games, video games, books, and such.

Depending on where in Southern Maine, game stores, some book stores and social clubs have weekly open game nights. Diversions Puzzles And Games (South Portland ME, Portsmouth and Somersworth NH), Woodford's (Portland) for example.

9

Live_Badger7941 t1_j21c0oe wrote

This.

In addition: "there is no bad weather; only inappropriate clothing."

Budget some money for warm coats, boots, socks, etc. The cheap stuff that looks the same... is not the same.

This also goes for indoor things like blankets, curtains, and slippers.

5

Lerch737 t1_j1zebsg wrote

This is best advice I've seen about winter in awhile

Edit: was at the chiros when typing this and had double vision from electric stim

4

somethingnerdrelated t1_j24wupi wrote

To add to the seasonal affective disorder: vitamins D and B are almost a MUST to add to your diet in winter in Maine. Just buy the supplements and make sure that the B vitamins have B12 and B6. Also, a sun lamp helps too. Getting outside as much as possible (once your blood warms up lol) is also imperative. Exercise. Anything to get endorphin and dopamine production up!

SAD is very real in Maine. It’s rough, but it can be mitigated. Just start in November 😂

3