At this time of year, when you may feel a little more isolated, it can be comforting to know you’re not alone. We asked you, our community, what you find hardest about the winter months, and what you do to have fun while you’re waiting for the sun to return.
“We can feel January blues for the whole of winter!”
Most people have a love or hate relationship with winter. Some love the steaming hot chocolates enjoyed under cosy blankets. The fluffy socks and cold, crisp air. For the majority of us living with muscle wasting and weakening conditions though, winter is a worry and a struggle. People are talking about January blues this month… many of us can experience this for the whole of winter.
The challenges of winter
Lots of you highlighted the worry of getting ill in winter and the impact that has on your mental wellbeing. It can feel like a pay off between wanting to go out and enjoy socialising but needing to avoid catching viruses from others.
“Many of us feel like we spend the majority of winter trying to explain to friends, extended family, or colleagues why ‘just a cold’ to them, can be very serious for us.”
And let’s face it, that’s exhausting. Some of the challenges you shared with us were:
“Staying well with all the winter viruses circulating.” – Carrie
“The winter bugs and the stretched NHS services” – Zoe
With the rain, ice and snow of winter, comes fear of falling over for some in our community. For those of us who are ambulant, wet pavements, icy steps, and the dreaded snow, can make walking extremely difficult and unsafe. The worry of slipping and hurting ourselves can sometimes outweigh the need to leave the house.
“The ice and snow make me so frightened of falling because I can’t keep my balance.” – anonymous
Poor circulation and struggling to keep warm is an issue for the majority of us, so the cold temperatures of winter aren’t our friend. The cold can make our muscles ache and that can cause additional fatigue. Experiencing this when out and about is one thing, but constantly feeling cold in your own home is unbearable. This means heating and electricity bills can massively increase for us in the winter months and become a big concern.
“My son finds it much harder in the winter feeling stiff and more achy.” – anonymous
Keeping entertained in the winter
When outdoor activities are out of the question for most of us at the moment, having ‘winter safe’ hobbies are essential to maintain our mental wellbeing.
Gaming is a huge part of lots of our lives, particularly in the winter. We can enjoy the hobby from the comfort of our own home, whilst being able to connect with others remotely.
“Chatting to friends online whilst gaming together is one of the ways some of us socialise and feel less alone during these months.”
If you’re finding it to hard or worrying to go out for walks or other outdoor adventures, but still have the longing to do so, going for a walk (or even run) in the virtual world, some find is the next best thing.
Exercising and going out
One of the best ways to support your mental wellbeing is to try and do regular exercise that you enjoy. This can be hard in the winter, but doing things like going for a swim and using a sauna at the gym is a great way to keep moving in the warm and improve poor circulation.
It can be difficult to think of places to meet friends and family during the winter months given the weather. Going to local garden centres, museums and galleries, pub quizzes, or board game café, are great options to catch up with people in different environments. And of course, you can’t beat a good coffee shop!
“Just getting from your house to your car can make us feel cold to the bone for the rest of the day, so investing in some good quality, thermal vests and leggings to wear underneath your normal clothes can really help.”
Some people also swear by microwaveable slippers and bean bags to heat up our extremities.
“Wearing thermals. The ones I get from Sainsbury’s match my autism and massively help my muscles.” – anonymous
However you’re feeling this January, remember you’re not alone. Reach out to friends who have muscle wasting and weakening conditions – it’s likely they’re feeling isolated too. And keep reminding yourself, spring will be here before we know it!
We’re here to support you
If you’re struggling this winter, we’re here to support you.
Join our peer support programme
Sometimes you just want to speak to someone who knows exactly what you’re going through. Someone who has personal experience of living with a muscle wasting or weakening condition or is supporting a family member who lives with one, and will listen without judgement.
Call our helpline
Our support services
Connect with peers in the muscle wasting community at our webinars and information days, or join one of our support groups. Including virtual therapeutic sessions and local meetings. Reach out today. Our life-changing support is here for you.
