Midwest Mom Moans About Weather
My husband recently returned from a trip to Texas with my Dad and he said something that has popped back into my head a few times since then. He said that observing the people there and their winter climate made him realize what that those of us who suffer the hard, cold winters are really at a disadvantage. At first I thought he was being whiney but the more I think about it, the more I think he is on to something.
I have never really contemplated our winters other than acknowledging that have to have snow blowers, winter coats, ice scrapers, and an electric blanket while other folks don’t even get snow at Christmas. But there is more than that.
Our bodies and skin take a toll in the snow and the frigid winds that residents of snow-free climates will never experience. Depending on your job and how much time you spend out doors, that weather damage can be painful and lead to premature aging. That stinks!
In the midwest, we know we’re considered “fat” compared to other areas. We are raised on cheese, bread, meat, and potatoes. But we also are at a disadvantage activity-wise. Not only can we NOT just run out for a jog or bike ride because of the snow on the ground, but the air is so bitter there are days at a time we don’t even go out of our houses unless we positively have to. We COULD and we SHOULD do sit ups and lift weights at home but it is so dark, dreary, and cold that it is like a workout just getting out of bed and figthing off the winter blues. Warm weather states you can say, “Quit whining! Get up and just do it!” And you are right. But the point is, this is another hurdle we have to face.
Our cars are cleaner in the summer than the winter simply because it is so miserable to go back and forth carrying in the crap and vacuuming the seats. We park and make a mad dash for the door. Even at that pace our whole heads are chattering. Our home maintenance falls in the winter, too, because it is too cold to deal with the exterior of the house, and we cannot have our windows open to paint/air out the house, etc. Then, of course, we get sicker because we are breathing in the same old germs in the house every day.
Then I would guess we call in sick more because of the cold weather colds and flus.
I could go on and on, but what good would that do? I bet warm weather peeps have their own issues that they feel no one else has to deal with, too. So we’re probably even. I guess what we have to do is recognize and accept the challenge, while also finding the motivation to keep ourselves going year around, even when the weather isn’t on our side.
What do you do to keep yourself warm, productive, and fit during the cold winter months?
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I live in a relatively hot area and how I envy those who live in a cold environment. But when I recently visited a friend of mine who lives in Minnesota and I quickly changed my mind. LOL.
To get used to the cold weather, my friend suggested to use clothes made out of natural fibers because they provide more warmth. And he always told me to never forget to wear a hat because at least 20% of the heat is lost through the head.
My friend also urged me to walk around the house instead of curling up in my bed because it gets the blood circulating. This also prevents the joints and muscles from stiffening up.
I like fitness a lot, and I try to eat just vegetable and fruits ,
that gives me much more energy that I can imagine
Where I live it is pretty much like how you described every winter. I like the winter, I just don’t like how long it is. If it were shorter by about 2 months it would be perfect. Although now it is starting to feel good outside so I am hopeful for a great summer.
I agree, @marlborogirl.. why you name it marlborogirl are you smoking? Will thanks for your informative blogs. I hope I can do your tips with a little patient.
We cut down our food expenses so as we don have any excess, and i am not upset about that, as we are in our middle ages, it will help us to be in shape.We cut down our entertainment expenses, so the bars and restaurants are now planned much beforehand.
Well, maybe Texas isn’t such a good example. I lived there for nearly 10 years, in Dallas. The problem is that it gets so hot that about 10 months out of the year you cannot be outside, much less be physically active outside. I always felt bad for the construction workers in TX. Don’t know how they do it. Then, if you are outside, it’s not good for your skin either as the sun also ages you prematurely. Oh, and last, when you are in public places indoors, you are freezing to death in the middle of the summer because they crank up the A/C so much.
Hope this makes you feel a little better about living in a place with very cold and snowy winters.
My mom like fitness. I try to send you this post.
Strange! And i am surprised to know the type of product like Electric Blanket.
I don’t live in the area which is either very cold or very hot. I likes to be fit in every situation. It depends on the conditions in which a person is living.But body fitness should be maintained in every condition.Getting simple exercises can make a person fit.
Oh my, now I’m starting to get worried with my mom. She’s losing a lot of fitness routines. She needs to be back…
Anyway regarding your question. I’d say spend some more time with friends and socialize instead. Well, that’s after your personal commitments.
It gets really hot where I live in the middle of summer (continuous days of 100f plus)
I’d much rather that than freezing winters though, I spent one winter in the snow, and swore I’d never do it again.
Thx autor for this article . nice
Great information on this post! Because of the threat of weather conditions and other natural disasters, it would be well for us to prepare. In 1915, Mt. Tambora erupted and people couldn’t get food and supplies for over a year. What happened in 1915 can happen if Yellowstone erupts. We need to prepare. Read this for more info: Prepare for a Natural Disaster or Emergency with Food Storage.
Now i’m in the country where in the weather is terribly hot that you don’t even want to go out from the water to cool you down. It is true that it doesn’t matter where you stay because you will experience something extreme that you have no choice but to face.
Sounds to me more like you have the February Blahs. Only someone who lives in a true winter climate would understand this.
I live in Ontario Canada, so I have never known anything but having a true winter season with the cold and the snow. We Canadians often like to claim that we are hardier because of this.
To get through the winter, you basically need to develop a life style of indoor activities. I personally play basketball and indoor volleyball on a regular basis. The point is that you need to get out of the house as much as possible (even if it’s to another indoor location.)
The advantage that we of the winter climate have, is that Spring means way more to us than it would to someone who lives in a constantly warm climate.
We get to see trees and flowers come to life from what seemed like a brown wasteland. We get to witness the return of birds (and bugs). We get to see lakes remove their icy covers and offer promise for the summer months.
I truly believe that this seasonal gift provides us with an appreciation for nature well beyond that of others.
I don’t think that I would want to live anywhere else.
The Pet Gate Guy
I have an electric mattress pad that does the trick in the winter. A stationary bicycle helps me stay active when I can’t go outside.
it is very useful site i got more information
I can just say that living in cold is not so bad ,you can enjoy 4 different seasons while other people have only two. I lived in Arizona ,winter time is beautiful no snow, but when summer come you are eider cook or frozen ,cooling system hat to work all the time.now after a few years in cold i cane say i do love 4 seasons more .
I whole heartily acknowledge that So. Cal. peeps like me are spoiled. When it’s really cold here I jog with a beanie and gloves. that’s when it drops into the 40’s. People here freak when it gets near freezing at night (it happens about a dozen or so nights a year) but I love it - its a nice change of pace and short lived.
Out in the Rocky Mtns we fare a little better than the midwest. While it gets cold and snowy, we do not have the bitter winds the blow through the midwest. So I manage to get outside and cross country ski, but I have to admit by the time February rolls around I am ready for spring!
Im from Denmark and im used to live in a cold climate, but now i live in Spain, and i love this climate, hot weather just brings the best out in people.