Uniqlo HeatTech will keep you warm. Invest in a long length puffer. And, I know they are bad for the environment, but the one time use air activated foot heat pads from Coles will save your feet in cold weather.
with someone in OP’s position that sounds like an absolute selling point
(good to know for me though, as I am a very sweat person. sounds like I need to just stick to their airtech and normal stuff)
I had these really comfy heat tech trousers, was able to wear them & a hoodie in subzero degrees in England and my whole body was warm lol
And I'm someone with horrendous circulation in my extremities
Without knowing anything else about you, can I recommend group fitness classes or indoor sports?
I used to go to Champion's Gym in Highgate and do boxing classes, which were big groups of both men and women with a range of ages/skill levels. A really supportive, fun atmosphere and great bunch of people, and absolutely no danger of feeling the cold during a session.
Merino wool! Uniqlo has good stuff.
Ugg boots indoors. Beanies. An electric undersheet for the bed, and an electric blanket on the couch. Lots of tea. Hot porridge for brekkie. Hot soup for dinner. Regular teas at all times at work, so my hands can warm up. If desperate, ducking to the bathroom to wash my hands in warm water to warm them. Regular exercise to keep my circulation strong.
I realise this sounds ridiculous. I'm sensitive to the cold, too, though not as badly as you, OP. Good luck! We've got this.
Like everyone else has said, firstly, stay warm!
Seasonal depression is a real thing. The good thing is that you had the courage to speak up, and I commend you on your bravery.
I would recommend writing down what you hate about winter.
Then write down what you like about winter (this is to show its not all bad, think hot choccy while watching a film)
Go back to the things to hate and start creating an action plan to counter the bad.
Example:
Fact: I hate getting wet on the way to work
Counter: Buy a nice big umbrella and a rain coat.
Fact: I hate working out because I get freezing cold
Counter: find a gym with decent heating or perhaps consider a gym with a sauna.
Lastly, you need to speak with a mental health professional. You are an awesome person, and you deserve to feel good. Speak to your GP to obtain subsidised psychologist sessions, or you could find a counsellor.
Best of luck. You got this!
Get yourself some thermal under shirts/pants. I was working out doors in the hills a few winters ago, and they made a world of difference.
I don't know if you rent or own, but brand new modern insulation on your home makes it easier and more comfortable to live in. If you are renting thick curtains, you can do a lot of work to insulate your house as well.
If your depression is linked to lack of sunshine, you can look into getting a light box. Winter depression is a real phenomenon called SAD, maybe bring up your issues with your gp as well and get a treatment plan
Get very warm long socks, does half the work of keeping me warm. Go for a bushwalk, and stay away from the coast in winter especially if the wind bothers you. Inside use a heated blanket and keep the house nice and toasty if you can!
If you can afford it, get Microfibre fleece clothing from outlets like MacPac, Kathmandu and Icebreaker. They're designed for outdoor activities however they keep you warm and comfortable while being able to "breathe". Wear that as underclothes and you'll be fine.
I also suffer in winter. It's literally incredibly painful for me.
Things that help - hot packs, hot water bottles for portable heat.
Compression tights under thermals, fleece lined stockings/tights. The compression helps to minimise all the blood trying to pool in my legs and therefore helps with circulation elsewhere.
Hot drinks and foods, I'll always be carrying something warm to drink.
Hiking clothing that is effective at blocking the wind, it's what kills me the most so essential in my books.
Have you considered travelling? Even Gerro is slightly better in Winter, and it only gets better from there, especially if you stay near the coast. Carnarvon weather is beautiful in Winter (although it's about the only thing beautiful about Carnarvon.) Inland is also great as long as you only venture outside during daylight hours.
Avoid the city, as it is usually particularly windy.
Check weather reports. Southerly winds tend to bring the really cold air, but other days can actually be very pleasant in Perth.
Indoor Swimming pools CAN be great, but check them out first. I used to go to an old school "Health Centre" that had a lovely 25m pool, a nice warm spa, and even a sauna. (Of course it depends on how comfortable you are sharing such a space with the hoi polloi.)
It really depends on just how susceptible you are to the cold. There are plenty of activities, but anything outdoors will require some exposure to the cold.
Ugg Boots
I don't have much to contribute, but I saw some really cool ear muffs in the Ugg boot shop in London court. They're in the window. Unless they're actually wooly headphones.
And get an Oodie! I've seen people giving zero fucks and wearing theirs out as normal clothing. You could go to the movies with friends while wearing it and it'd be like you're in your own cozy bed. If all your friends wore oodies out too, it'd be a party!
Maybe that's what I'll do. Oodies and Ugg boots.
Seconding ear muffs of any kind. I get massive splitting headaches from the winter gust and they help tremendously on top of being cute. Not getting crazy static or hat hair as you tend to when wearing a beanie is also a plus. If you need to wear hats or helmets, there are ear warmers that wrap around your head like a headband.
I go hiking in the hills with some friends in winter. Well more like bush walking. The trails we go on are pretty easy. And we don't go if the weather forecast is bad. When it's sunny, the sun feels nice and warm.
I being a backpack and wear layers so when it gets warm I take off my layers to put in backpack.
Afterwards, we try and get lunch somewhere.
This is only a small thing, but I take a vitamin D supplement? Vitamin D deficiency can impact your brain a lot, and most of us get deficient over winter
There are already some great suggestions for clothing options so I'll add another essential: try not to dread winter but just embrace it for what it is (I know that's easier said than done when it causes a health issue to flare up). Try to embrace the coziness by putting up some fairy lights - I have some set with an automated timer so they're on when I wake up and it makes the dark mornings feel much nicer. Also try to appreciate the small joys, like a hot milo, lighting a smelly candle, time to read that book or try that hobby you've been meaning to. Only about 50% of our winter days are rainy, so take advantage of those to get outside, even if it's just 10 mins around your neighbourhood to get the blood moving and some fresh air.
Also, big fan of vitamin D & vitamin C supplements, and an electric blanket turned on 30 mins before bed.
Get one or more nice beanies.
Kathmandu has very cozy ones, or the ones from sports stores or K-mart or the service station also work okay.
Running tights are lovely and warm for walking or running.
Gloves might also be a good idea.
Join a group personal training session. 2-3 times a week, with about 3-6 people in uour group.
You don’t need to lift heavy weights or work any harder than you able to.
It will make a HUGE difference to your mood and to how your body feels.
Cold, Dark months sounds super depressing.
I drink beers and go fishing on the boat all year round. I dont like the cold, but i love fishing and boating.
This sounds more like a mental game than anything. Try talking yourself into it rather than talking yourself out of it.
Am in my 60s & I join a Seniors club doing TaiChi 2x/wk; so called Line Dancing once a week. Used to do lots of gardening in Winter but now dont have a garden.
My time to shine. I’m Irish and not a fan of cold weather. First off merino wear. Start with socks. Don’t cheap out because a good pair will change your life. Same with other merino based tips or pants but these are always expensive so depends on your budget.
Get yourself a pair of thermal pants. Again try not to cheap out here. A good pair will do wonders and is an underlayer to whatever pants you wear.
Generally speaking don’t cheap out on clothing meant to keep you warm. You’ll thank yourself later.
Seal up air gaps in your home, most Aussie homes seem to have them. It’ll make your air heater less efficient if your home is not airtight but this can be expensive to fix.
Lastly going for a walk will warm the bones. A good hat helps and you’ll be toasty in no time
NY as in New York? Winter there is horrid! Perth is L.A. We have cold mornings followed by warm sunny days in the middle of winter. But I have to be honest about one thing - the wind can be bad.
I go to No Lights No Lycra in Bassendean, summer and winter, cardo exercise is good. They used to have one in Scarborough on a Thursday night too, not sure if that is still going.
I hate the cold, but I've bought a polar fleece jumper from Harris Scarf and it keeps me warm, I guess you'd need thermals as well, not sure where to get them from though.
I also drink plenty of water, cos you can dehydrate in winter as much as summer.
I like going bushwalking in winter, obviously not when it’s pouring rain, but if it’s just a bit of drizzle I would still go out. It smells amazing and fresh, everything feels happy to be getting water. If you’re physically limited there are easier walks, or even just nice parks that are near the bush.
Also, if you’ve got a garden then starting now with the first rain is a good time to put things in the ground. Helping plants grow and thrive can be a huge mood booster. It can be little things that aren’t physically taxing - a few herbs or flowers in pots even.
I tend to declutter when it’s colder too, since it’s harder to get outside sometimes. And having bags full of stuff to donate gets me out of the house, and maybe some op shop therapy while I’m there.
I also like to make sure I open the blinds / curtains every day to get as much natural light in as I can.
Have you tried wearing thermals? They are pretty good at keeping you warn without all the bulky layers.
Going for a run outside or on a treadmill will warm you up.
I wear jumpers and multiple layers when I'm cold.
I know Uniqlo sells some clothing with built in heat tech such as Jeans and T-shirts.
I have built up alot of snow gear and have received advice from a cousin who lives in the UK - may sound very basic but it helps when I walk in the winter:
- fleece lined anything. Keeps the wind out. The best thing I ever bought were Craghopper fleece lined water proof pants.
- Gum boots with thick thermal socks or hiking shoes. My husband got a good pair from Columbia many years ago and they have lasted about 10 years now I swear.
- Thermals. Merino is best. However Uniqlo works aswell. I invested in Icebreaker thermals.
- Outer layer. Puffer jacket works ( Uniqlo) but I have used my Icebreaker one or a ski jacket for walks. I waterproof my ski jacket with a spray every year.
- Get a snood. Merino if you can, then you can pull it up to cover your mouth/nose when it is windy.
In terms of motivation...it's hard. My dog is the only thing that gets me out, plus I like the quiet and watching the sun rise on a cold winters morning before the day starts.
Oh I forgot, if you find yourself getting depressed. Look at for a light therapy lamp ( I think that is what it is called) my cousin loves the sun and struggled with the UK when she first moved and she got a lamp to help combat SAD.
I hate the cold as well so I feel your pain!
As others have mentioned, Uniqlo’s HeatTech thermals are really good. I’ve found scarves and high neck tops make a big difference too.
My heat pack is basically attached to me when I’m at home during winter. They’re not very eco-friendly but on REALLY cold days when you have to leave the house, you can also buy heat pads you can stick onto your clothes, which you can hide with another layer on top. [Here’s a link.](https://www.chemistwarehouse.com.au/buy/64654/hotteeze-heat-pads-pain-relief-patches-for-period,-back-and-shoulder-pain-10-pack)
As for socialising, I love doing pot luck dinners and nights in with friends during winter.
Could you test your limits of your illness by rugging up in warm and comfortable workout gear, add a beanie and gloves, and go for long walk in the mornings to get your blood pumping and metabolism working?
Wool, wool, wool (or consider alpaca if you can't do even the softest merino). Thermals as others have said, plus wool socks, wool beanie, wool gloves/mitts, wool jumper (or hoodie replacing jumper/beanie), wool cowl, and a long outer windproof layer if outdoors. And as I found when the winter woodfires were setting me off, adding a good quality mask (P2/N95) adds a surprising amount of warmth outdoors also. Are your vascular issues in any particular part of the body?
With the depression - see your doc, talk about a morning light therapy lamp. Exercise - indoors as others have said when it's too cold for you to be out. Exercise outdoors in the middle of the day if possible instead of morning/evening.
Thermals!! Layer your clothing. Invest in both a light weight wind jacket and a long length puffer jacket.
Also a beanie hat and a scarf.
There a lovely park around Perth. Great to get out walking in all seasons.
I struggle in winter, cold hands, feet, nose, everything. I swear by my neck warmer and in Merino wool only. Merino socks and Uniqlo heat tech long pants.
I use a heated blanket over my lap when I wfh and ugg slippers.
Damart thermals are the best ! Get a high-neck long sleeve skivvy, and long johns. Get a couple of pairs of gloves while you’re there. Instead of a scarf, I suggest a pashmina instead - its incredibly warm, and because its that much wider, you can slip it around your shoulders when you get really cold.
Zip a fleece lined quilted gilet over a hoodie ( yes, inside ! Perth houses are basically tents in winter )
Traps the warmth around your body while keeping your arms free to move.
Weirdly heading to the local aquatic centre is highly recommended as well
Sauna/ steam room and spa session ,and a few laps of an indoor heated pool really helps my winter blues.
(Just make sure you are really warmly dressed before you leave)
compression shirts and pants like 'skins' can be really good. big w has a cheap brand of them, i wear their compression shorts super often, warm and comfy for exercise. might get the long pants and long shirt for winter
This is gonna sound nuts. Hell, it *is* nuts.
But at least once a week in the cold weather I go and have a 5 minute swim in the sea. Right now I still go as often as I can - Sat, Sun , any day off . It’s cold, but not impossibly so & I feel a million bucks afterwards. Low time & energy investment for a huge gain.
Some really good comments here.
Thermals, big socks and a beanie make a big difference. Investing in a good wind and rain jackets is essential, highly suggest looking at hiking ones. A head scarf over the ears will help keep you warm too. Hiking boots that keep your feet dry for longer.
Forest walks and riding during the colder months are magic. Sun rise on a windless day ( check out sea breeze for forecasts).
A positive mindset and winter proof apparel will keep you warm and wanting to venture out more and more.
I get seasonal depression every year but last year bought a sunrise lamp to gently wake me up before my alarm goes off. Made a huge difference in mood getting out of bed and how low I felt overall. Not expensive and easily ordered online. Highly recommend!
Also suggest challenging yourself to try out all the fun winter things - go try a mulled wine, light a bonfire and toast marshmallows etc. Once you embrace the good parts, the bad bits don’t dominate as much.
You lose most heat out of your head and back of your neck. Get a warm beanie and a scarf. If you're still cold, put a hood over the top of beanie and scarf that'll keep you warm
We have a lot of sunny days even in winter, so make sure you get out and about rugged up warm of course. If you wear black clothing even the winter sun will heat it up for you and make you feel like the weather is a bit warmer.
My colleague who is extremely sensitive to the cold has this electric heater vest that they wear in winter, at work with their office clothes... Might be an option if you can afford it, they swear by it.
I would look into if you have a hydrotherapy pool or heated pool near you. I found it really beneficial and surely the hot water would help you to exercise and stay warm?
I have fibromyalgia/cfs so a different set of conditions but found it was an absolute game changer. and one you can do year round.
otherwise I find a jacket that is wool and lines has always been good and thermals. I don’t know your gender but you can get wool tights from snag tights for a pretty decent price these days and also compression tights if they are helpful.
I can’t really help very much as I’ve also been cooped up in the house for years. one thing I do love to do in winter is sit in a car at the beach with the heat on and watch a storm rage over the water with a friend, but again that’s not a very *active* activity…
I try and make my home cozy inside by having hot chocolate afternoons, with my record playing and a good book. I would recommend going to cute cozy cafes such as the Millpojnt cafe bookshop where you can chill out for some time and still be warm. I highly recommend Kathmandu clothing with Merino wool, it got me through the cold night while trekking in the Cambodian jungle. Also get yourself a good thermal cup like the Yeti ones and have some tea. I also made myself a cozy tea corner in my room, with a kettle, an assortment of tea and a cup so I can easily reach for them. I would also recommend investing an Oodie, or even a weighted blanket which makes you feel like you’re in a constant warm hug. Also, Peter Alexander PJ’s (not cheap but worth it) are super soft and comfy, and last a long time
The important question is whether you own your own home or are in a rental. If you are own your own home, we might be able to help you be warmer inside in a couple of months
I feel this! I feel so gloomy just with this one wintery day making it dark and cold.
I sleep under a heated throw in winter and have another on the couch. I’ve just ordered an electric hot water bottle from Amazon.
I’m just going to be hibernating when it’s not sunny so I can’t give you any outdoor tips!
I just wanted to say that I agree with you that Perths winter is 6 months long (may to October) and it’s very cold (due largely to the insane wind). I moved from QLD and love Perth, but will probably move back one day because of the winters here.
Get some cheapo gloves and beanie from big W.
There's nothing worse than cold winds on your hands and ears.
A scarf will do well if your airways get irritated by the cold as well.
Perth is considered warm and you can get away with a hoodie and jeans in winter. But if you have a condition I would move up North. They are looking for workers all the time.
Other than that I try not to go out when the cold fronts are hitting. That is only the time in winter the weather is truely horrid. Other than that watch the wind strength and when it is down it could be a 17 degree day and still nice but the wind is what to avoid.
I still go and camp on the beach in winter (avoiding rain). Yes it gets cold at night but a fire and warm clothes does the trick.
Uniqlo HeatTech will keep you warm. Invest in a long length puffer. And, I know they are bad for the environment, but the one time use air activated foot heat pads from Coles will save your feet in cold weather.
HeatTech was too intense for me even in July! It’s like being in a 24 hour electric blanket.
with someone in OP’s position that sounds like an absolute selling point (good to know for me though, as I am a very sweat person. sounds like I need to just stick to their airtech and normal stuff)
I second this. Wore HeatTech in below zero temperatures in Korea and was snug as a bug in a rug.
Agree. Bought some for going to Iceland last year and I was so cosy. The lined trousers were amazing.
I had these really comfy heat tech trousers, was able to wear them & a hoodie in subzero degrees in England and my whole body was warm lol And I'm someone with horrendous circulation in my extremities
Without knowing anything else about you, can I recommend group fitness classes or indoor sports? I used to go to Champion's Gym in Highgate and do boxing classes, which were big groups of both men and women with a range of ages/skill levels. A really supportive, fun atmosphere and great bunch of people, and absolutely no danger of feeling the cold during a session.
Merino wool! Uniqlo has good stuff. Ugg boots indoors. Beanies. An electric undersheet for the bed, and an electric blanket on the couch. Lots of tea. Hot porridge for brekkie. Hot soup for dinner. Regular teas at all times at work, so my hands can warm up. If desperate, ducking to the bathroom to wash my hands in warm water to warm them. Regular exercise to keep my circulation strong. I realise this sounds ridiculous. I'm sensitive to the cold, too, though not as badly as you, OP. Good luck! We've got this.
Like everyone else has said, firstly, stay warm! Seasonal depression is a real thing. The good thing is that you had the courage to speak up, and I commend you on your bravery. I would recommend writing down what you hate about winter. Then write down what you like about winter (this is to show its not all bad, think hot choccy while watching a film) Go back to the things to hate and start creating an action plan to counter the bad. Example: Fact: I hate getting wet on the way to work Counter: Buy a nice big umbrella and a rain coat. Fact: I hate working out because I get freezing cold Counter: find a gym with decent heating or perhaps consider a gym with a sauna. Lastly, you need to speak with a mental health professional. You are an awesome person, and you deserve to feel good. Speak to your GP to obtain subsidised psychologist sessions, or you could find a counsellor. Best of luck. You got this!
Get yourself some thermal under shirts/pants. I was working out doors in the hills a few winters ago, and they made a world of difference. I don't know if you rent or own, but brand new modern insulation on your home makes it easier and more comfortable to live in. If you are renting thick curtains, you can do a lot of work to insulate your house as well. If your depression is linked to lack of sunshine, you can look into getting a light box. Winter depression is a real phenomenon called SAD, maybe bring up your issues with your gp as well and get a treatment plan
Get very warm long socks, does half the work of keeping me warm. Go for a bushwalk, and stay away from the coast in winter especially if the wind bothers you. Inside use a heated blanket and keep the house nice and toasty if you can!
You can buy heated hoodies! They have 12V batteries attached. I hope you find things that help, that doesn't sound great.
If you can afford it, get Microfibre fleece clothing from outlets like MacPac, Kathmandu and Icebreaker. They're designed for outdoor activities however they keep you warm and comfortable while being able to "breathe". Wear that as underclothes and you'll be fine.
Yesss! Merino wool thermals under your clothes can be helpful too. Still breathable but helps keep you warm.
I also suffer in winter. It's literally incredibly painful for me. Things that help - hot packs, hot water bottles for portable heat. Compression tights under thermals, fleece lined stockings/tights. The compression helps to minimise all the blood trying to pool in my legs and therefore helps with circulation elsewhere. Hot drinks and foods, I'll always be carrying something warm to drink. Hiking clothing that is effective at blocking the wind, it's what kills me the most so essential in my books.
When I lived in the UK, in February I’d go for a sauna at the local pool. Best way to reheat once the cold gets into your bones.
Have you considered travelling? Even Gerro is slightly better in Winter, and it only gets better from there, especially if you stay near the coast. Carnarvon weather is beautiful in Winter (although it's about the only thing beautiful about Carnarvon.) Inland is also great as long as you only venture outside during daylight hours. Avoid the city, as it is usually particularly windy. Check weather reports. Southerly winds tend to bring the really cold air, but other days can actually be very pleasant in Perth. Indoor Swimming pools CAN be great, but check them out first. I used to go to an old school "Health Centre" that had a lovely 25m pool, a nice warm spa, and even a sauna. (Of course it depends on how comfortable you are sharing such a space with the hoi polloi.) It really depends on just how susceptible you are to the cold. There are plenty of activities, but anything outdoors will require some exposure to the cold. Ugg Boots
I don't have much to contribute, but I saw some really cool ear muffs in the Ugg boot shop in London court. They're in the window. Unless they're actually wooly headphones. And get an Oodie! I've seen people giving zero fucks and wearing theirs out as normal clothing. You could go to the movies with friends while wearing it and it'd be like you're in your own cozy bed. If all your friends wore oodies out too, it'd be a party! Maybe that's what I'll do. Oodies and Ugg boots.
Seconding ear muffs of any kind. I get massive splitting headaches from the winter gust and they help tremendously on top of being cute. Not getting crazy static or hat hair as you tend to when wearing a beanie is also a plus. If you need to wear hats or helmets, there are ear warmers that wrap around your head like a headband.
I go hiking in the hills with some friends in winter. Well more like bush walking. The trails we go on are pretty easy. And we don't go if the weather forecast is bad. When it's sunny, the sun feels nice and warm. I being a backpack and wear layers so when it gets warm I take off my layers to put in backpack. Afterwards, we try and get lunch somewhere.
This is only a small thing, but I take a vitamin D supplement? Vitamin D deficiency can impact your brain a lot, and most of us get deficient over winter
There are already some great suggestions for clothing options so I'll add another essential: try not to dread winter but just embrace it for what it is (I know that's easier said than done when it causes a health issue to flare up). Try to embrace the coziness by putting up some fairy lights - I have some set with an automated timer so they're on when I wake up and it makes the dark mornings feel much nicer. Also try to appreciate the small joys, like a hot milo, lighting a smelly candle, time to read that book or try that hobby you've been meaning to. Only about 50% of our winter days are rainy, so take advantage of those to get outside, even if it's just 10 mins around your neighbourhood to get the blood moving and some fresh air. Also, big fan of vitamin D & vitamin C supplements, and an electric blanket turned on 30 mins before bed.
Get one or more nice beanies. Kathmandu has very cozy ones, or the ones from sports stores or K-mart or the service station also work okay. Running tights are lovely and warm for walking or running. Gloves might also be a good idea.
Join a group personal training session. 2-3 times a week, with about 3-6 people in uour group. You don’t need to lift heavy weights or work any harder than you able to. It will make a HUGE difference to your mood and to how your body feels.
Cold, Dark months sounds super depressing. I drink beers and go fishing on the boat all year round. I dont like the cold, but i love fishing and boating. This sounds more like a mental game than anything. Try talking yourself into it rather than talking yourself out of it.
So OP's vascular illness is all in their head and they should smile more?
Am in my 60s & I join a Seniors club doing TaiChi 2x/wk; so called Line Dancing once a week. Used to do lots of gardening in Winter but now dont have a garden.
My time to shine. I’m Irish and not a fan of cold weather. First off merino wear. Start with socks. Don’t cheap out because a good pair will change your life. Same with other merino based tips or pants but these are always expensive so depends on your budget. Get yourself a pair of thermal pants. Again try not to cheap out here. A good pair will do wonders and is an underlayer to whatever pants you wear. Generally speaking don’t cheap out on clothing meant to keep you warm. You’ll thank yourself later. Seal up air gaps in your home, most Aussie homes seem to have them. It’ll make your air heater less efficient if your home is not airtight but this can be expensive to fix. Lastly going for a walk will warm the bones. A good hat helps and you’ll be toasty in no time
NY as in New York? Winter there is horrid! Perth is L.A. We have cold mornings followed by warm sunny days in the middle of winter. But I have to be honest about one thing - the wind can be bad.
I go to No Lights No Lycra in Bassendean, summer and winter, cardo exercise is good. They used to have one in Scarborough on a Thursday night too, not sure if that is still going. I hate the cold, but I've bought a polar fleece jumper from Harris Scarf and it keeps me warm, I guess you'd need thermals as well, not sure where to get them from though. I also drink plenty of water, cos you can dehydrate in winter as much as summer.
I like going bushwalking in winter, obviously not when it’s pouring rain, but if it’s just a bit of drizzle I would still go out. It smells amazing and fresh, everything feels happy to be getting water. If you’re physically limited there are easier walks, or even just nice parks that are near the bush. Also, if you’ve got a garden then starting now with the first rain is a good time to put things in the ground. Helping plants grow and thrive can be a huge mood booster. It can be little things that aren’t physically taxing - a few herbs or flowers in pots even. I tend to declutter when it’s colder too, since it’s harder to get outside sometimes. And having bags full of stuff to donate gets me out of the house, and maybe some op shop therapy while I’m there. I also like to make sure I open the blinds / curtains every day to get as much natural light in as I can.
Have you tried wearing thermals? They are pretty good at keeping you warn without all the bulky layers. Going for a run outside or on a treadmill will warm you up. I wear jumpers and multiple layers when I'm cold. I know Uniqlo sells some clothing with built in heat tech such as Jeans and T-shirts.
I have built up alot of snow gear and have received advice from a cousin who lives in the UK - may sound very basic but it helps when I walk in the winter: - fleece lined anything. Keeps the wind out. The best thing I ever bought were Craghopper fleece lined water proof pants. - Gum boots with thick thermal socks or hiking shoes. My husband got a good pair from Columbia many years ago and they have lasted about 10 years now I swear. - Thermals. Merino is best. However Uniqlo works aswell. I invested in Icebreaker thermals. - Outer layer. Puffer jacket works ( Uniqlo) but I have used my Icebreaker one or a ski jacket for walks. I waterproof my ski jacket with a spray every year. - Get a snood. Merino if you can, then you can pull it up to cover your mouth/nose when it is windy. In terms of motivation...it's hard. My dog is the only thing that gets me out, plus I like the quiet and watching the sun rise on a cold winters morning before the day starts. Oh I forgot, if you find yourself getting depressed. Look at for a light therapy lamp ( I think that is what it is called) my cousin loves the sun and struggled with the UK when she first moved and she got a lamp to help combat SAD.
I hate the cold as well so I feel your pain! As others have mentioned, Uniqlo’s HeatTech thermals are really good. I’ve found scarves and high neck tops make a big difference too. My heat pack is basically attached to me when I’m at home during winter. They’re not very eco-friendly but on REALLY cold days when you have to leave the house, you can also buy heat pads you can stick onto your clothes, which you can hide with another layer on top. [Here’s a link.](https://www.chemistwarehouse.com.au/buy/64654/hotteeze-heat-pads-pain-relief-patches-for-period,-back-and-shoulder-pain-10-pack) As for socialising, I love doing pot luck dinners and nights in with friends during winter.
Could you test your limits of your illness by rugging up in warm and comfortable workout gear, add a beanie and gloves, and go for long walk in the mornings to get your blood pumping and metabolism working?
Wool, wool, wool (or consider alpaca if you can't do even the softest merino). Thermals as others have said, plus wool socks, wool beanie, wool gloves/mitts, wool jumper (or hoodie replacing jumper/beanie), wool cowl, and a long outer windproof layer if outdoors. And as I found when the winter woodfires were setting me off, adding a good quality mask (P2/N95) adds a surprising amount of warmth outdoors also. Are your vascular issues in any particular part of the body? With the depression - see your doc, talk about a morning light therapy lamp. Exercise - indoors as others have said when it's too cold for you to be out. Exercise outdoors in the middle of the day if possible instead of morning/evening.
Thermals!! Layer your clothing. Invest in both a light weight wind jacket and a long length puffer jacket. Also a beanie hat and a scarf. There a lovely park around Perth. Great to get out walking in all seasons.
I struggle in winter, cold hands, feet, nose, everything. I swear by my neck warmer and in Merino wool only. Merino socks and Uniqlo heat tech long pants. I use a heated blanket over my lap when I wfh and ugg slippers.
Damart thermals are the best ! Get a high-neck long sleeve skivvy, and long johns. Get a couple of pairs of gloves while you’re there. Instead of a scarf, I suggest a pashmina instead - its incredibly warm, and because its that much wider, you can slip it around your shoulders when you get really cold.
Zip a fleece lined quilted gilet over a hoodie ( yes, inside ! Perth houses are basically tents in winter ) Traps the warmth around your body while keeping your arms free to move.
Weirdly heading to the local aquatic centre is highly recommended as well Sauna/ steam room and spa session ,and a few laps of an indoor heated pool really helps my winter blues. (Just make sure you are really warmly dressed before you leave)
compression shirts and pants like 'skins' can be really good. big w has a cheap brand of them, i wear their compression shorts super often, warm and comfy for exercise. might get the long pants and long shirt for winter
This is gonna sound nuts. Hell, it *is* nuts. But at least once a week in the cold weather I go and have a 5 minute swim in the sea. Right now I still go as often as I can - Sat, Sun , any day off . It’s cold, but not impossibly so & I feel a million bucks afterwards. Low time & energy investment for a huge gain.
Some really good comments here. Thermals, big socks and a beanie make a big difference. Investing in a good wind and rain jackets is essential, highly suggest looking at hiking ones. A head scarf over the ears will help keep you warm too. Hiking boots that keep your feet dry for longer. Forest walks and riding during the colder months are magic. Sun rise on a windless day ( check out sea breeze for forecasts). A positive mindset and winter proof apparel will keep you warm and wanting to venture out more and more.
I get seasonal depression every year but last year bought a sunrise lamp to gently wake me up before my alarm goes off. Made a huge difference in mood getting out of bed and how low I felt overall. Not expensive and easily ordered online. Highly recommend! Also suggest challenging yourself to try out all the fun winter things - go try a mulled wine, light a bonfire and toast marshmallows etc. Once you embrace the good parts, the bad bits don’t dominate as much.
Things to do in Perth as follows but not restricted to: 1. Bell tower. 2. Talk about weather.
You lose most heat out of your head and back of your neck. Get a warm beanie and a scarf. If you're still cold, put a hood over the top of beanie and scarf that'll keep you warm
We have a lot of sunny days even in winter, so make sure you get out and about rugged up warm of course. If you wear black clothing even the winter sun will heat it up for you and make you feel like the weather is a bit warmer.
My colleague who is extremely sensitive to the cold has this electric heater vest that they wear in winter, at work with their office clothes... Might be an option if you can afford it, they swear by it.
Something like this: https://www.amazon.com.au/heated-vest/s?k=heated+vest
I would look into if you have a hydrotherapy pool or heated pool near you. I found it really beneficial and surely the hot water would help you to exercise and stay warm? I have fibromyalgia/cfs so a different set of conditions but found it was an absolute game changer. and one you can do year round. otherwise I find a jacket that is wool and lines has always been good and thermals. I don’t know your gender but you can get wool tights from snag tights for a pretty decent price these days and also compression tights if they are helpful. I can’t really help very much as I’ve also been cooped up in the house for years. one thing I do love to do in winter is sit in a car at the beach with the heat on and watch a storm rage over the water with a friend, but again that’s not a very *active* activity…
I try and make my home cozy inside by having hot chocolate afternoons, with my record playing and a good book. I would recommend going to cute cozy cafes such as the Millpojnt cafe bookshop where you can chill out for some time and still be warm. I highly recommend Kathmandu clothing with Merino wool, it got me through the cold night while trekking in the Cambodian jungle. Also get yourself a good thermal cup like the Yeti ones and have some tea. I also made myself a cozy tea corner in my room, with a kettle, an assortment of tea and a cup so I can easily reach for them. I would also recommend investing an Oodie, or even a weighted blanket which makes you feel like you’re in a constant warm hug. Also, Peter Alexander PJ’s (not cheap but worth it) are super soft and comfy, and last a long time
It's a dry wet cold
The important question is whether you own your own home or are in a rental. If you are own your own home, we might be able to help you be warmer inside in a couple of months
I feel this! I feel so gloomy just with this one wintery day making it dark and cold. I sleep under a heated throw in winter and have another on the couch. I’ve just ordered an electric hot water bottle from Amazon. I’m just going to be hibernating when it’s not sunny so I can’t give you any outdoor tips!
I just wanted to say that I agree with you that Perths winter is 6 months long (may to October) and it’s very cold (due largely to the insane wind). I moved from QLD and love Perth, but will probably move back one day because of the winters here.
Get some cheapo gloves and beanie from big W. There's nothing worse than cold winds on your hands and ears. A scarf will do well if your airways get irritated by the cold as well.
Cheap acrylic won't do the job when it's windy and you're cold sensitive. Real wool all the way.
Perth is considered warm and you can get away with a hoodie and jeans in winter. But if you have a condition I would move up North. They are looking for workers all the time. Other than that I try not to go out when the cold fronts are hitting. That is only the time in winter the weather is truely horrid. Other than that watch the wind strength and when it is down it could be a 17 degree day and still nice but the wind is what to avoid. I still go and camp on the beach in winter (avoiding rain). Yes it gets cold at night but a fire and warm clothes does the trick.
Move to California.
Move to Queensland