You’ve heard of winter whites? This is winter whining.
This morning I woke up, and saw frost outside. It was the first frost of the winter. I could feel my heart sink. To say that I hate the winter is a major understatement. I despise it with a passion. I am not going to say that I suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder, but it’s kind of along those lines. I have days where I just can’t force myself to get up in the morning. I can lay in bed awake for about an hour, eyes wide open and staring at the ceilng, just trying to psyche myself up to inch my toe out of the blanket. And once I do get up, it feels like the day is almost over because here in the UK it gets dark around 4 o’clock. By that time, I just loose all of my energy to do anything remotely productive. I develop problems with my skin and eyes suffer with severe dryness from the heating. I feel constantly cold. I don’t feel like going out (even to my favourite restaurants!!). I just really get in a major mood… for about 3 months!!! Poor Mr P for having to put up with me. I can be a real terror. I have constructed a bit of a battle plan to help me get through this season. I thought I’d share some of my tips for getting through the winter… alive. Yeah, I know, HH is a maaaaaaaajor drama queen, but come on, you love me 
.
1) I hate to admit this, but exercize really helps… a lot! From a scientific perspective, exercize releases endorphins, adrenaline, serotonin and dopamine. Just like a hit of crack, these chemicals all work together to make you feel good. Aside from that, it gives me a sense of accomplishment, and makes me feel okay indulging in some extra cake (and there is nothing like cake to get a girl out of a downer). Unlike most people, I tend to loose a bit of weight in the winter (yay!) because I don’t want to leave the gym and walk home in the cold! I also find that when I am in good shape, I am tons less likely to get sick. I am happy to say that for the last several winters I have been able to avoid any major nasties.
2) Aside from keeping your body active, you’ve got to keep your mind active too. That’s why this year I’ve made a few winter goals for myself. I’ve made them so that instead of focusing on how miserable and cold I am, I can focus on something else. Sometimes when you are really engaged in a project, you forget about the other stuff. Well, I think I’d like to really work on my croissant skills. I simply adore croissants, and I want to get really good at making them. Pierre Herme good. One of my favourite comforts is a fresh hot croissant drizzled with a little honey and a steaming cup of tea. It is my idea of heaven. I have so many idea of weird and wonderful flavours that I want to try making, so watch this space. I also want to work on my French. I have been a little neglectful of it (bad housewife, bad!).
I’ll be shakin’ and a’ bakin’ up a storm!
3) Eat plenty of fish. According to what I’ve read, eating salmon and other foods high in omega-3 fatty acids can really help one’s mood. Maybe the Eskimos were onto something with all that fish eating! Furthermore, if you are like me, and the cold causes your skin to dry out, healthy fats from fish and almonds can be of some help. Keep in mind daaahlings, lashings of clotted cream, although fatty, won’t have the same effect. It’s the vitamin E that is so helpful- I’m just mentioning it cause I saw that naughty glint in your beady little eyes.
4) Dress the part! It is so important to keep bundled up. In all honesty, I’ve been known to wear my winter coat in the house, but what I really want is one of these. Mr P says no. He rarely denies me stuff I want, but he is afraid I’d end up falling down the stairs 
. So I have to do it the old fashioned way. I need to wear plenty of layers…. and a hat. Keeping your head covered is essential. Did you know that you can actually loose 30% of your body’s heat through your head??? Yes, totally wear a hat. Something wildly expensive, heavy on the plumage. Work it, own it, feel it, be it:
PETA who daaaahling? Does it come with hummus?
5) Learn to take pleasure in the small things. This is very important. Whenever you are feeling a little down (winter or otherwise), try to count life’s little blessings. Luxuriate in a hot bubble bath, read a great book, notice how the snow sparkles like diamonds when the light hits it in just the right way. I have to admit, I have a really bad habit of focusing on the negative. I guess this is another thing I should try to work on this winter. I think if you can learn to find the positives, no matter how tiny they are, the bigger picture doesn’t tend to look as bleak.
6)… And if that doesn’t work, there’s always chocolate. Right now I am loving the chocolate from Green & Black’s. They make the good stuff, and without the high price tag to match. When you are feeling a low, be sweet to yourself. Chocolate is an instant pick-me-up that won’t break the bank. I love Green & Black’s white chocolate. The hint of vanilla that runs through it totally makes the little icicles that form around my cold hands melt. I can’t recommend it enough if you a fellow white chocolate fan. You can always find some of that in my larder, because, you know, a girl has to have her emergency stash! The thing is, they do so many incredibly lovely flavours that I’ve never really had the chance to sample… until now . The wonderful people at Green & Blacks sent me a fabulous tasting selection, some assorted bars, and some warming hot chocolate. I am so looking forward to going through each and every morsel. So long as Mr P continues to replenish the said stash on an regular basis, he himself may just have a chance of having a peaceful and happy winter too .
This tasting collection would make an awesome holiday gift. Who could fail to be delighted by a rainbow of baby chocolate bars?
So how about you daaahlings? I am always curious about how other people manage to get t through the winter. It shocks me that some of you guys actually really enjoy it! What are your tips and secrets? I could really use some.
“And if that doesn’t work, there’s always chocolate!” — LOVE IT! Hope you win your winter blues battle. xo style, she wrote
Oh HH, I feel your pain. I really dislike the cold too. And more than that, I hate the grey days. I get through winter with a lot of help from chocolate. And baking. Both of which you will have in ample supply from the sound of things
I am so with your list…. you have it all! And, yes, this is how I do get through the winter. But I have to admit (since I am still a Florida girl at heart), I love the icy mist of winter, the snow and lots of it… But oooh love it when I can come inside to a hot bubble bath, a glass of wine and some chocolate. And a good Christmas movie! xo
Love you!
I’m like you – I always lose weight in the winter. I think it’s because I eat more wholesome foods which fill me up and keep me from snacking.
I also need lots of exercise otherwise I hate myself and my family isn’t fond of me either. Being couped up in the house can be dreadful so a bit of exercise makes me perky.
Chocolate of course is my downfall. Whether summer, winter, spring or fall it’s my go to in good moods and bad.
I tend to wear hats and gloves when I’m cold, in the house as well as outside. You’ll never catch me without socks on unless I have my hubbys feet to warm me up under the covers.
Stay warm, drink hot tea and snuggle. Happy Holidays!
Your posts are always so funny…love the writing and the photos
Since I live in Southern California, there is not much of the “winter blues”…and I sure will not do good in cold, therefore I know how you feel, but from your list you must be doing pretty good…love your list, especially “pleasures in small things”
Hope you are having a cozy week HH!
Ah ah ah! How many soldiers in your battle against winter blue! I agree with all but hat… Mmmmm… Once I lived in north Italy, cold and fog and snow and so on. Having a big nose I hate hats, then I never bought them. Instead I had a collection of silky, precious, warm and soft broderies tops, hidden under my smart dresses or even my denim. And plenty of beautiful wool socks (don’t know the name in english of “long socks”, forgive me!) under my trousers and longuette. Anyway, never forget chocolate potential and thanks for your advices.
A
What a helpful post for those who are in Winter Blues! Luckily, we don’t have winter here. Otherwise, I’ll be the same. I mean snowing for a few days is OK with me but not for months. Anyway, I’m sure you’re fine now with all the plans in place. Take care & have a great time.
Blessings,
Kristy
Good luck getting through the winter. It sounds like you’ve got a great plan of action!
Funny, I just bought 8 bars of Green and Blacks chocolate and nearly kicked myself because of how much my scale will tip on the other side of the holidays. You are quite industrious over the winter months. I don’t know anyone who works out and tries to excel at croissant making during the holidays. I like your idea of a luxurious bath, I don’t do that nearly often enough and it is indeed a very special treat.
I love that chocolate part to all the other pointers..such fun to read your post, HH! Love and tight hugs to ward away your winter blues
Love it HH – Oh yes between the chocolate and the PETA hatin’ Taylor lovin’ head gear how can you possibly go wrong!
Don’t forget – then there’s always seducing Mr. P for a weekend at the Savoy!
chow! Devaki @ weavethousandflavors
I like the cold….but then again, I live 30 minutes from The Rockies, I have to. Hope the winter doesn’t get you down HH. Looks like you have a great plan in hand. I’ll be following the chocolate rule personally.
Where are you HH? Are you hibernating? Happy Happy Holidays to you!
HH, my new motto for the New Year will be your fab advice of ‘Work it, own it, feel it, be it’. I’m bad for offering advice since this will be the first winter actually living in the cold for 5 years. How oh how I miss the winters heat of Texas. What the hell was I thinking moving to the U.K.? Oh..that’s right, there’s nothing to do in Houston and it’s 100* every darn flipping day in the summer with 90% humidity.
I think your on track with the chocolate girlfriend. Wishing you and Mr. P a very Merry Christmas. May it be filled with bonbons, cocktails, doves and rays of sunshine; not necessarily in that order.
Happy New Year!
Big hug,
x Deb
If i do some chocolate test testing every day I might overlook the cold weather, although to be hones, it feels like march outside.
happy Holidays!
Have you ever thought of Stand up comedy for a career? You have an incredible gift! I am still laughing. Merry Christmas, HH!
There is definitely magic in the air! Wonderful wishes for a prosperous, healthy happy and dreams come true new year in 2012! I am so lucky I have “met” you!
XO
Valerie
Hello sweety!
I can totaly understand your feelings! I feel the same way!
I also love this Uk brand of lovely chocolates. They are a bit expensive over here in Belgium! But I do love their different tastes especially the butterscotch one! yummie!
I also wish you & your hubby a wonderful 2012 filled with lots of sunshine, good food & great health!!!
Kisses & hugs to you! xxx
Happy Holidays, HH! Haven’t been by in a while, but always love your posts! Hang it there, it’s winter, but spring’s a-coming! And in the meantime, as you so aptly point out, there’s always chocolate! Warmest regards to you and Mr. P for a healthy, happy, and safe New Year!
Some great tips for surviving the winter. Happy New Year HH!
Merry Christmas to you & Mr P, daaaaaahling! Hope you’re all well. And too not forgetting to wish you a very Happy New Year. May all good things coming your way. God blessed!
Cheers
Kristy