Winter is Coming

I don’t even watch Game of Thrones, but I am already preparing myself for winter in Scotland. It’s technically not that terrible since the temperature doesn’t necessarily go below 0°C (32°F) and it doesn’t snow that much, but it still messes with my head, my energy, and my emotions, so I’m going into this winter with a game plan. Hopefully it helps me with my Seasonal Affective Disorder.

My SAD Battle Plan

Exercise more.

I finally gave in to getting a gym membership. I’m generally too cheap to buy it, but seeing how this cold and wet weather discourages me from running outside, a gym membership is probably a good investment. The University gym is conveniently close to our place and offers a nice student spouse discount. They have a rock climbing wall, and I’m super excited to get back into it again. Thanks for all the equipment Harry!! You’re the best!

Take Vitamin D.

I have both gummy and soft gel versions of Vitamin D supplements. Vitamin D has lots of benefits for one’s health, but it also plays a role in regulating mood and warding off depression. I am going to be more vigilant this winter about taking it everyday. Andrew claims he sees a difference when I take them.

Plan trips.

I find travel planning really fun. I love researching restaurants, finding good deals on flights and hotels, and reading travel blogs about awesome places. Having something to look forward to every month (or every couple of months) with a countdown is very helpful. I’m so thankful for hotel staff rates and for 29 vacation days. #whenineurope

Play with a dog.

Petting a dog decreases levels of stress hormones, regulate breathing, and lower blood pressure. It’s very therapeutic. I’m so thankful for BorrowMyDoggy for letting me meet Blue and the chance to spend time with a dog without actually having to be responsible for it. Plus, they’re so darn cute.

Eat only the foods that I like.

I’ll admit it. I’m a picky eater. I never considered myself that picky, but when I think about food in Scotland, I realize I am way pickier than I ever thought I could be. I generally look forward to meals and eating, but I’ve been often disappointed and unhappy after eating at work or in restaurants in Scotland. I’ve started bringing my lunch to work more and it definitely lifts my mood. On days when Andrew and I go out, you can probably guess it will be Asian food. Eating foods I actually like instead of forcing myself to eat foods I hate really makes a difference.

Invite people over.

When I’m sad and tired, I don’t have the energy or willpower to go outside, especially if it’s cold, wet, and rainy, but this is my invitation to everybody. Please come over. Come eat dinner with us! Come study at our place! Come over to read or just chill. I’m an ‘E’, so being around people generally excites me. I just don’t want to go outside. Andrew and I plan to invite people over more this year, but please just invite yourself over. I’m an ‘E’, so being around people should give me energy, but please don’t make me go outside.

Now, how many more days until summer?