Seriously, How do Locals Deal with 200 + Days of Overcast? (Seattle: fit in, living in)

[BellevueNative]

Seriously? You sure don't seem like you're a happier person now that you're down in California.

[Norraa]

Originally Posted by jm31828

There is not much wind at all in Seattle. If a major storm system is blowing through there could be some decent wind for a while, maybe for part of a day when that system is moving through, but it then calms back down. The calm wind here is always so noticeable to me because I moved here a few years ago from the plains (Nebraska), where it seems a stiff 25-35 MPH wind is ALWAYS blowing, even on the sunny, clear days with no storm systems in sight.

That's great to hear. My absolute least favorite weather condition is a clear bright cold windy day. I'm in Northern Arizona where we often get strong winds for months at a time in the winter, and I just can't take it anymore. It's depressing, especially on a sunny day. Glad to hear wind isn't much of a factor up there.

[Ruth4Truth]

Originally Posted by burgerbun

I am in the middle of my second winter here. I moved from sunny Florida.

I find that the overcast doesn't really bother me. The hard adjustment for me is the sun setting before 5pm for part of the winter. The short days are not fun, especially since I work a typical day job. It might be different if I could be out and about during the day.

It may be helpful to realize that the winter solstice occurs just before Christmas. After that, the days start to get longer. When you notice the days getting slightly longer toward the end of December and onward, this can be encouraging. I find it really helps to see it that way. Sort of like seeing the cup as half full instead of half empty. Focus on full part, as it grows.

[PollyGlott]

Originally Posted by Ruth4Truth

It may be helpful to realize that the winter solstice occurs just before Christmas. After that, the days start to get longer. When you notice the days getting slightly longer toward the end of December and onward, this can be encouraging. I find it really helps to see it that way. Sort of like seeing the cup as half full instead of half empty. Focus on full part, as it grows.

I do the very same thing, and have for a long time, even when I lived in "sunny southern California".
It really does help to remind oneself the days are geting longer - and by now, heck, we've almost reached the equinox!

[metoque]

I used to think about the solstices too, but the depressing thing is that by the time Seattle's true summer starts (i.e., July 5th or later), the summer solstice has already happened and days are already getting shorter again. Sad.

[PollyGlott]

Originally Posted by metoque

I used to think about the solstices too, but the depressing thing is that by the time Seattle's true summer starts (i.e., July 5th or later), the summer solstice has already happened and days are already getting shorter again. Sad.

Then you need to think about the summer solstice differently! For example, instead of focusing on the days getting shorter, think of them getting warmer.

[metoque]

Originally Posted by PollyGlott

Then you need to think about the summer solstice differently! For example, instead of focusing on the days getting shorter, think of them getting warmer.

I've tried playing these mind tricks on myself and it worked for a few years, but they dont' work anymore. Reality sets in when I realize that summer is over and I need to endure another 9-10 months of cool/cold, dark, gray, drizzly weather.

[skrude1]

I deal with it by keeping my windshield wipers in good shape and always using rain-x. lol

[burgerbun]

You optimists are odd people.

[just4ivaylo]

Here's what I do:

1. Keep busy.
2. I use one of these: http://www.amazon.com/NatureBright-S.../dp/B000W8Y7FY
3. I don't whine about the weather. I guess I've lived here long enough. The more you whine about the weather, the more you're thinking about it. So stop thinking about it and follow suggestion #1.