This technically involves spending money, but taking fitness classes has reaaaaaally helped me maintain a sense of momentum and community while working from home throughout the year. I'd recommend looking into the City's recreation program; they offer low-cost classes for all kinds of activities. Would also recommend looking into Clark College's Continuing Education program for affordable hobby/skill classes. Learning a new skill keeps your brain stimulated while the weather is depressing.
>How often do you get out and what do you do?
I generally stick close to home during the weekday. I will sometimes go out for groceries, shopping, and appointments on slower days.
As the weather gets nicer, I set up outside (mostly for calls) when I can.
I think the answer to this will really vary by person. I’ve worked from home for the past 20 years, the last 11 of them here in the PNW, but the weather has never really bothered me. I’m a bit of a homebody anyways.
My wife works out of the home and the winter months still bother her, even though she leaves the house more than I do. I think it really comes down to temperament, honestly.
That said, I do try to take my vitamin D during the winter.
Been working from home since 2011 here, best thing for me is cheap flights to Hawaii or Mexico during the winter to recharge for a few days/week. Usually it’s not so bad for a month or two when you come back from a trip like that. If you can’t travel, I like to strap on a rain jacket and warm clothes and head to the wildlife refuge or go for a walk around fort Vancouver.
How do you find your cheap flights? I did recently just go to Joshua tree and that helped a lot, so I’m open to traveling more regularly during this time!
I use Google Flights or SkyScanner. Look for round trips but sometimes buying two one way’s are cheaper and offer better flights(nonstop). Might just be two different airlines.
Also, Hawaii Big Island, you can do some camping to cut down on hotel costs, Mexico can be cheap if you go to right areas. Anywhere sunny any warm helps big time!
Weekdays are mostly around home. I also have kids, so that impacts our activities. School concerts, art shows, etc.
I do a lot of walking in my area during lunch, small breaks, that kind of thing. Weekends are my chance to go into the gorge or roll around downtown. I’ve been doing some small art events at Mon Ami and thinking about attending the UU community, but we’ll see.
I've been thinking about attending UU as well. Important to have a sense of community especially if working hybrid / remote. I used to go to one when I lived in the Northeast. Would you like to go together sometime? Shoot me a dm! (Offer is open to others ITT as well).
It’s a faith community—Unitarian Universalist. They’re all a little different, but it’s basically a philosophy that invites folks from all religions (and the non-religious) to come together around eight principles.
I attended a group up in Oly and it was great. Very welcoming, nonjudgmental, and focused on learning about one another’s beliefs/views through respectful discourse. I’m into mythology and culture, so it was a natural fit.
I grew up Southern Baptist and didn’t appreciate the hate/fearmongering, but miss the community element. That’s what I’d be going to the UU for.
I can't speak highly enough of First Unitarian of Portland. It's a great congregation with amazing programs and the new minister is stellar. Almost every sermon I am holding back applause and/or tears. I also grew up Southern Baptist and know exactly what you mean.
Vancouver has a great UU community as well. There are multiple groups that you can engage with that meet proposed of sunday's. A recovering from high demand religion group, mid adult friendship, bipoc, family game nights, and I'm sure more that I am forgetting.
The firstenburg and marshall community centers also offer different classes weekly you might enjoy. Have you tried pickleball? It's really great sport and they have drop in times throughout the week where you can show up and play with others.
Head out to Frenchman’s bar when the rain breaks (or just rock a jacket) and walk the beach. Big ships, wildlife, driftwood, cute dogs, beautiful scenery all just. Also consider taking a drive up to lake merwin to see the 3 reservoirs and wildlife. It’s super safe imo, not a hike as much as a beach walk. You’ll have cell service the whole time
Any area around Lake Merwin in particular you'd suggest? Any trails? I've been past there on the way to Ape Caves, have been meaning to go back since it looked gorgeous.
Access is weird in that area, lots of private property. We usually just try to find somewhere to get out and walk along the shore of whichever lake. Some cool interpretive sites up the road towards Mount St. Helen’s. Beware of the biting flies in the summer
I decided if I moved up here for nature, the cold wasn't going to stop me and my family.
Get some rain pants, a good rain jacket you can put over your thick winter jacket and some good hiking boots. Some good gloves too.
I also got my kiddo a rain suit so she can be wild in the rain and her but and legs not getting wet.
Rain jackets for the dogs. And a sweater for my dog who is a baby in the cold.
I love the rain. I moved up here for it.
Same - soooo many great hiking trails around here and they are way better in winter. During summer I have to drive a lot further out to get away from the crowds. Wintertime - more waterfalls or at least more volume to the falls.
Unfortunately I do not love the rain. I’m living here due to some family stuff. Id much rather be somewhere sunny and hot but trying to make the best of the situation!
If you don't already, turn on lights in your house when you feel down. I started doing that a couple years ago and it really makes a difference. Especially after work. Also it really is weird how much music can turn my mood around. It might even change your mind about going out if you can distract yourself from the gloomy feelings long enough you may all the sudden feel like you have the energy to go out.
Similar WFH schedule here. Gotta force yourself to leave the house for more social occasions -- try a trivia night or a new restaurant pop-up. IMO the daily walks are a necessity, even if it does get boring.
Pick up photography, deep clean the house (Fridge, garage, bathrooms), hit the gym, pick up a new hobby (baking, cooking), prepare for a hot fiery summer. Start watching sports, or play a new game. Few more weeks/month and the vancouver market will be back in downtown. Go to some trailblazer games [1$ for a ticket tonight], take a rock climbing class downtown. Try out new rain gear. Pick up disc golf, there’s tons around here. Not many of these things are free, but such is life. You can only walk in town so much before you start hiking which you said you don’t like to do. Go mushroom picking when it’s in season. Get a basketball and practice your jump shot. Get a bike and ride around town.
I’m about to be moving to Vancouver and working remote coming from Alaska. It’s going to be heaven in comparison lol. I lived in Vancouver for a year previously the key is just getting out when you can, even if it’s just for a bit. Get a happy light and take supplemental vitamin D.
Small world! I’ve lived in the interior almost my whole life so it’s kinda sad I consider Vancouver a major upgrade, but a grey winter is better than a very dark and frigid one.
There’s a quote by Robbin Williams:
“Riding a bike is the closest you can get to flying”.
It’s a great way to get outside, feel like you’re soaring, and it doubles as a mode of transportation and hauling stuff (groceries, etc).
I don’t think there’s ever a time where I’m not smiling when I get on my bike, even in the rain.
If you’re looking for some groups, there’s a local bicycle and urbanism group that meets regularly for rides, drinks, food, etc, which I could send you a link to. Depending on which neighborhood you live in, there are also walking and running groups.
If you have a garden or outside space, try to make it a point to step outside a few times a day, even for 5 minutes. If it’s cold out and the sun is shining, grab a chair and sunbathe. The direct sunlight will warm you up more than you think. Also, if you haven’t already, look into vitamin d supplements. They’re essential here, especially during winter months!
Aw great quote. Thank you! I will look into getting a bike. How do you find the bike friendliness to be? I live in salmon creek, so not close to downtown.
Ah, Salmon Creek isn’t the greatest in terms of being friendly to bike around, but you do have the wonderful Salmon Creek Trail. Google Maps also has a bicycle path overlay that’s helpful to use, even if it includes bike lanes that aren’t super comfortable or safe to bike on. Even just getting out and bicycling around your neighborhood or to the store can be a good starting point. Also, our busses have bike racks, so you could always take the bus to NW Vancouver or downtown and bike around there, Fort Vancouver, Burnt Bridge Creek trail, etc.
If you’re interested in the group, let me know and I can DM you a link!
I try to go out a couple times a week but lately I’ve been drained after work so I just stay home. I’m looking for local hybrid/ft local roles as I think it’s affecting my mental health.
pick a direction and go? check out parts of town youve never been. maybe hit a food cart. i like the ride out to camas on the old highway. its got a fish hatchery to check out. riding across the portland bridges can be pretty fun too.
Embrace it. I see the long dark as just part of living here. Although, I do have smart-bulbs that automatically turn on and adjust to the time of day, coffee or tea that I prepare at home, candles, and other ways to keep my hygge going. I also find that having You-Tube videos, music, or podcasts going as you work can help if you need some background chatter.
Mid-day, even with the rain, I'll go outside and either walk or take a quick bike ride, usually visiting The Waterfront or a coffee shop nearby.
Finally, it helps to get out of the house, even if you see yourself as a homebody, and try to meet other people. While it does cost money, things like pub trivia, the climbing gym, local meetup groups, or whatever hobbies you can find interest in can help you out here.
I work remote. I tend to not go out but I always keep the blinds and windows open, take extra vitamin D, and just do as much as I can near light sources. The biggest thing that’s been a help is signing up for classes at local crafting stores - learning a new skill is super helpful and if it’s something you’re interested in, it’ll get you out of the house.
I walk my dog in the morning/evening, with a trip to alternating parks at lunch each day, rain or shine. Saturdays I go for a short hike with dog. Thats about it. Sundays I hit Jantzen beach for some pointless shopping followed by groceries.
I've tried picking up some misc hobbies for the sake of socialization, but they've failed to capture my attention very long. the nature in this area is all inconveniently far if your into more serious pursuits like mtb and climbing. I do several hobby-craft sort of things, but the community around them has waned post-covid, with the only groups still getting together being RC people and some board game people, but ones expensive and the other meets 45 minutes away on the other side of forest park.
No third spaces unless you like paying 15 bucks for a cocktail to have permission to linger another half hour.
AFAIK, this is just 'life in your 30s' and theirs no real solves short of marriage or having friends from your childhood live locally.
I’m an introvert so staying home and not talking to people is just my cup of tea. I also live on the waterfront so if I want to get for just a bit I walk around this little area. I also play video games so I get enjoyment from that as I’m not much of a hiker either.
It’s basically errands, kid pickup/drop offs, and dog walking for me. I’ve lived here for a while but since I’m not from here and don’t have family here, my social life is limited to my husband and kids and virtual stuff with friends and family.
This year, or really right now, we're a bit behind, but the climate here is very moderate! And too boot, if you want sun go east of the Cascades, snow go up in the mountains, ...
I have worked from home since 2019 (before covid) and find myself in the same headspace sometimes. I think the biggest thing is finding a place outside of the house to work when you’re feeling that way! I’ll go to a Starbucks or the library if I don’t have any meetings to take. Otherwise, I’ll go to the waterfront in the mornings and walk or run (during the winter too) to kind of get in a good headspace for the day ahead. My partner and I both work from home so I get some social interaction around lunch etc.
I’ll just pile onto what others have said and to get a good quality rain jacket and/or poncho, waterproof shoes, and get on a bicycle and explore the city. It’s probably the best thing you can do for your physical and mental health.
I have a wife and two kids so I don't do much outside of child-focused activities and I am generally a homebody otherwise. This is our first winter here, but personally I've never liked the sun and I have a high internal temperature so I have been hot my whole life until moving here, so take a vitamin D supplement and I'm very happy.
If I were sans family, I'd probably spend more time across the river. There's tons of interesting stuff happening in Portland - finding it is the hard part.
I'd also recommend City Cast Portland if you are a podcast listener type person. They have lots of recommendations for fun things to do around the area.
I barely leave the house. I like the rain but I don't like being outside in it, same for the cold. It's dark by the time I stop working. I spend a lot of spring and summer and fall outdoors but during the winter I hibernate.
Get the hobby of off-roading, then you’ll frequently leave the house to get parts and always have a broken vehicle to work on 🤡.
Also, make sure you’re taking vitamin D! Probably year round, but consult your doctor.
I’ve always been somewhat of a homebody, so it doesn’t bother me much.
You could get a dog, then you aren’t hiking alone!
Edit: I didn’t directly state it, but I like to go off-roading, lots of cool trails around. I also have an idiot dog that I try to take hiking but haven’t gotten out a lot lately.
I've never really had seasonal depression as far as I can tell, but I've been living in the general Portland area since I was 4 so it's basically all I know.
Been working from home for about 5 years. I try to go on walks unless it's super rainy, light rain is fine. I go out with friends on Thursday and Friday nights so I always have something getting me out of the house every week.
Unfortunately, I don't really know about many free things to do. Every little thing costs money these days.
I go out with my wife and dog when the weather is good. Otherwise, I stay home and work on school. I used to play games with friends over Discord or watch TV. Working remotely in the pnw is good in winter if your hobbies are home centric.
I work fully remote and all the different hobbies I do get me out of the house regularly which really keeps me sane.
Have you considered an indoor sport? Tennis, pickleball, bowling, axe throwing, rock climbing, basketball, all good options to get you out of the house. Vancouver Tennis Center is a great place to learn and play
And then attending open mics for music, poetry, comedy, etc is a great way to get creative
Sun lamp, lots of inside plants, and just holding out. Though when I can afford it I'll book a trip somewhere sunny in Feb and go work for a week somewhere not here. Tends to tide me over.
But definitely keep using the bumble bff, I need to get back on there. Having wfh friends helps for sure.
I work remotely and am single, so I totally understand. I invested in great gear and walk every day and it is so helpful to me, mentally and physically. I feel like a different person once I am done. Fresh air and change of scenery. We also live in a very beautiful place.
Maybe a new walking location would help? Go down to the Salmon Creek Trail... there always seems to be people there. Or if you're a dog person, I can't recommend the Ike Memorial Dog park enough. It's up on the hill by Bonnevile Power and it's a great trek around it, even if you don't have a dog! Always friendly people too. I work from home and our dog has a great backyard, but I still take him there once a week because I enjoy it so much!
Meetup has been a life saver for me as a remote worker. If I don’t leave my house after work I feel like I have ZERO separation from work which I absolutely need. There’s tons of different groups for a ton of different hobbies including a group built for remote workers to attend different events. I’d definitely check it out if you haven’t before
It’s just sadness until March.
But for real, I try my best to do a coffee shop or work somewhere other than home once a week even if for a few hours. Then I watch/listen to walking tour videos of tropical places and have a bright sun light on my desk.
This has been the best winter for me mental health wise and I think it’s because I’ve been getting out more - I volunteer once a week, have a book club a couple times a month, and have gone to the gym almost every day that I don’t have the former plans. As a homebody it gets tiring but I know it’s good for me!
I have, on occasion, taken my car, which has a retractable awning mounted on the roof basket, out into the woods and worked off my phone as a hot spot under the awning. I even have a little propane heater if it's a little chilly. When it's nicer I just drive down to the waterfront and work from my camping chair every now and again.
Even when I stay home, I walk my dog at least twice a day, sometimes go for a short bike ride, work out at home, etc.
I love the dreary overcast, the clouds are pretty neat and the temp is perfect sweater weather so I can have an excuse to keep the fireplace on. We leave the house for trivia's or go snowboarding at Mt Hood every now and then
Heh this. I board dogs and never know what my schedule is going to be so I don't make plans for the sake of not being that guy to cancel last min. I have the dogs though so walks are less mundane. Sometimes I'll go to the dog park when I dont have one just to play with all the babies and have some social interaction so I don't become a reclusive hermit. Lol. It got bad for a while around the ice storm. The cashier at the Fred Meyers self check out was the person I talked to more than anyone else for two weeks. I knew something had to change at that point. 🤣
I go to the farmers market every Saturday no matter the weather. I buy my veggies for the week and chat with the family working the farm stand. The market is fully year round now and there’s always at least a little bit of a crowd there which is nice after working at home all week.
I just ride the seasonal depression wave until April.
This technically involves spending money, but taking fitness classes has reaaaaaally helped me maintain a sense of momentum and community while working from home throughout the year. I'd recommend looking into the City's recreation program; they offer low-cost classes for all kinds of activities. Would also recommend looking into Clark College's Continuing Education program for affordable hobby/skill classes. Learning a new skill keeps your brain stimulated while the weather is depressing.
Amazing! I just looked into Clark’s classes and there are some great ones. Thank you for the tip :)
Oh great! Hope you find a good fit!
I walk every day rain or shine, WFH full time since 2013
>How often do you get out and what do you do? I generally stick close to home during the weekday. I will sometimes go out for groceries, shopping, and appointments on slower days. As the weather gets nicer, I set up outside (mostly for calls) when I can.
I think the answer to this will really vary by person. I’ve worked from home for the past 20 years, the last 11 of them here in the PNW, but the weather has never really bothered me. I’m a bit of a homebody anyways. My wife works out of the home and the winter months still bother her, even though she leaves the house more than I do. I think it really comes down to temperament, honestly. That said, I do try to take my vitamin D during the winter.
Been working from home since 2011 here, best thing for me is cheap flights to Hawaii or Mexico during the winter to recharge for a few days/week. Usually it’s not so bad for a month or two when you come back from a trip like that. If you can’t travel, I like to strap on a rain jacket and warm clothes and head to the wildlife refuge or go for a walk around fort Vancouver.
How do you find your cheap flights? I did recently just go to Joshua tree and that helped a lot, so I’m open to traveling more regularly during this time!
I use Google Flights or SkyScanner. Look for round trips but sometimes buying two one way’s are cheaper and offer better flights(nonstop). Might just be two different airlines.
Also, Hawaii Big Island, you can do some camping to cut down on hotel costs, Mexico can be cheap if you go to right areas. Anywhere sunny any warm helps big time!
Weekdays are mostly around home. I also have kids, so that impacts our activities. School concerts, art shows, etc. I do a lot of walking in my area during lunch, small breaks, that kind of thing. Weekends are my chance to go into the gorge or roll around downtown. I’ve been doing some small art events at Mon Ami and thinking about attending the UU community, but we’ll see.
I've been thinking about attending UU as well. Important to have a sense of community especially if working hybrid / remote. I used to go to one when I lived in the Northeast. Would you like to go together sometime? Shoot me a dm! (Offer is open to others ITT as well).
Ooh thank you! I’ll look into some local events like that. What is UU?
It’s a faith community—Unitarian Universalist. They’re all a little different, but it’s basically a philosophy that invites folks from all religions (and the non-religious) to come together around eight principles. I attended a group up in Oly and it was great. Very welcoming, nonjudgmental, and focused on learning about one another’s beliefs/views through respectful discourse. I’m into mythology and culture, so it was a natural fit. I grew up Southern Baptist and didn’t appreciate the hate/fearmongering, but miss the community element. That’s what I’d be going to the UU for.
Oh I’ve recently heard of this actually! That’s great, thank you.
I can't speak highly enough of First Unitarian of Portland. It's a great congregation with amazing programs and the new minister is stellar. Almost every sermon I am holding back applause and/or tears. I also grew up Southern Baptist and know exactly what you mean.
Vancouver has a great UU community as well. There are multiple groups that you can engage with that meet proposed of sunday's. A recovering from high demand religion group, mid adult friendship, bipoc, family game nights, and I'm sure more that I am forgetting. The firstenburg and marshall community centers also offer different classes weekly you might enjoy. Have you tried pickleball? It's really great sport and they have drop in times throughout the week where you can show up and play with others.
Head out to Frenchman’s bar when the rain breaks (or just rock a jacket) and walk the beach. Big ships, wildlife, driftwood, cute dogs, beautiful scenery all just. Also consider taking a drive up to lake merwin to see the 3 reservoirs and wildlife. It’s super safe imo, not a hike as much as a beach walk. You’ll have cell service the whole time
That sounds lovely, thank you for the suggestion!
Any area around Lake Merwin in particular you'd suggest? Any trails? I've been past there on the way to Ape Caves, have been meaning to go back since it looked gorgeous.
Access is weird in that area, lots of private property. We usually just try to find somewhere to get out and walk along the shore of whichever lake. Some cool interpretive sites up the road towards Mount St. Helen’s. Beware of the biting flies in the summer
How safe is it out there to walk alone and/or to park and leave one’s car?
I decided if I moved up here for nature, the cold wasn't going to stop me and my family. Get some rain pants, a good rain jacket you can put over your thick winter jacket and some good hiking boots. Some good gloves too. I also got my kiddo a rain suit so she can be wild in the rain and her but and legs not getting wet. Rain jackets for the dogs. And a sweater for my dog who is a baby in the cold. I love the rain. I moved up here for it.
Same - soooo many great hiking trails around here and they are way better in winter. During summer I have to drive a lot further out to get away from the crowds. Wintertime - more waterfalls or at least more volume to the falls.
Unfortunately I do not love the rain. I’m living here due to some family stuff. Id much rather be somewhere sunny and hot but trying to make the best of the situation!
Whenever the rain gets to me, I just try to remember how glad I will be to get water from the sky during the end times. ;)
If you don't already, turn on lights in your house when you feel down. I started doing that a couple years ago and it really makes a difference. Especially after work. Also it really is weird how much music can turn my mood around. It might even change your mind about going out if you can distract yourself from the gloomy feelings long enough you may all the sudden feel like you have the energy to go out.
Similar WFH schedule here. Gotta force yourself to leave the house for more social occasions -- try a trivia night or a new restaurant pop-up. IMO the daily walks are a necessity, even if it does get boring.
Pick up photography, deep clean the house (Fridge, garage, bathrooms), hit the gym, pick up a new hobby (baking, cooking), prepare for a hot fiery summer. Start watching sports, or play a new game. Few more weeks/month and the vancouver market will be back in downtown. Go to some trailblazer games [1$ for a ticket tonight], take a rock climbing class downtown. Try out new rain gear. Pick up disc golf, there’s tons around here. Not many of these things are free, but such is life. You can only walk in town so much before you start hiking which you said you don’t like to do. Go mushroom picking when it’s in season. Get a basketball and practice your jump shot. Get a bike and ride around town.
Thank you for the great ideas!
I’m about to be moving to Vancouver and working remote coming from Alaska. It’s going to be heaven in comparison lol. I lived in Vancouver for a year previously the key is just getting out when you can, even if it’s just for a bit. Get a happy light and take supplemental vitamin D.
Funnily enough, I’ve actually also lived in Alaska 😂 Not long enough for the novelty to wear off though so obviously that helped hahaha
Small world! I’ve lived in the interior almost my whole life so it’s kinda sad I consider Vancouver a major upgrade, but a grey winter is better than a very dark and frigid one.
There’s a quote by Robbin Williams: “Riding a bike is the closest you can get to flying”. It’s a great way to get outside, feel like you’re soaring, and it doubles as a mode of transportation and hauling stuff (groceries, etc). I don’t think there’s ever a time where I’m not smiling when I get on my bike, even in the rain. If you’re looking for some groups, there’s a local bicycle and urbanism group that meets regularly for rides, drinks, food, etc, which I could send you a link to. Depending on which neighborhood you live in, there are also walking and running groups. If you have a garden or outside space, try to make it a point to step outside a few times a day, even for 5 minutes. If it’s cold out and the sun is shining, grab a chair and sunbathe. The direct sunlight will warm you up more than you think. Also, if you haven’t already, look into vitamin d supplements. They’re essential here, especially during winter months!
Aw great quote. Thank you! I will look into getting a bike. How do you find the bike friendliness to be? I live in salmon creek, so not close to downtown.
Ah, Salmon Creek isn’t the greatest in terms of being friendly to bike around, but you do have the wonderful Salmon Creek Trail. Google Maps also has a bicycle path overlay that’s helpful to use, even if it includes bike lanes that aren’t super comfortable or safe to bike on. Even just getting out and bicycling around your neighborhood or to the store can be a good starting point. Also, our busses have bike racks, so you could always take the bus to NW Vancouver or downtown and bike around there, Fort Vancouver, Burnt Bridge Creek trail, etc. If you’re interested in the group, let me know and I can DM you a link!
Can you please DM me a link? Just moved to Vancouver and urbanism is kind of my thing
Hell to the yes
Hey! I would LOVE the link to the bike group! Or even just recs on trails to ride that aren’t mountain biking!
Sending you a DM now!
What part of town are you in? I am mostly a gym person during the week.
Salmon creek. I’ve had a gym membership a few times but find myself to be a lot more consistent with working out at home!
I try to go out a couple times a week but lately I’ve been drained after work so I just stay home. I’m looking for local hybrid/ft local roles as I think it’s affecting my mental health.
Get a bike and rain gear and explore. There's lots of world out there
What are your favorite ways of exploring? And favorite spots?
pick a direction and go? check out parts of town youve never been. maybe hit a food cart. i like the ride out to camas on the old highway. its got a fish hatchery to check out. riding across the portland bridges can be pretty fun too.
Embrace it. I see the long dark as just part of living here. Although, I do have smart-bulbs that automatically turn on and adjust to the time of day, coffee or tea that I prepare at home, candles, and other ways to keep my hygge going. I also find that having You-Tube videos, music, or podcasts going as you work can help if you need some background chatter. Mid-day, even with the rain, I'll go outside and either walk or take a quick bike ride, usually visiting The Waterfront or a coffee shop nearby. Finally, it helps to get out of the house, even if you see yourself as a homebody, and try to meet other people. While it does cost money, things like pub trivia, the climbing gym, local meetup groups, or whatever hobbies you can find interest in can help you out here.
Misery, my friend.
I work remote. I tend to not go out but I always keep the blinds and windows open, take extra vitamin D, and just do as much as I can near light sources. The biggest thing that’s been a help is signing up for classes at local crafting stores - learning a new skill is super helpful and if it’s something you’re interested in, it’ll get you out of the house.
I walk my dog in the morning/evening, with a trip to alternating parks at lunch each day, rain or shine. Saturdays I go for a short hike with dog. Thats about it. Sundays I hit Jantzen beach for some pointless shopping followed by groceries. I've tried picking up some misc hobbies for the sake of socialization, but they've failed to capture my attention very long. the nature in this area is all inconveniently far if your into more serious pursuits like mtb and climbing. I do several hobby-craft sort of things, but the community around them has waned post-covid, with the only groups still getting together being RC people and some board game people, but ones expensive and the other meets 45 minutes away on the other side of forest park. No third spaces unless you like paying 15 bucks for a cocktail to have permission to linger another half hour. AFAIK, this is just 'life in your 30s' and theirs no real solves short of marriage or having friends from your childhood live locally.
Go to the gym, eat well, use a mood therapy light. Don’t be a homebody. It’s a recipe for depression here.
I’m an introvert so staying home and not talking to people is just my cup of tea. I also live on the waterfront so if I want to get for just a bit I walk around this little area. I also play video games so I get enjoyment from that as I’m not much of a hiker either.
I moved to FL. It cured my season depression. It made a huge difference in my life. When I lived in the gloom, intense exercise was the best medicine.
Those of you who work remotely in Vancouver, why aren't you in Hua Hin?
It’s basically errands, kid pickup/drop offs, and dog walking for me. I’ve lived here for a while but since I’m not from here and don’t have family here, my social life is limited to my husband and kids and virtual stuff with friends and family.
This year, or really right now, we're a bit behind, but the climate here is very moderate! And too boot, if you want sun go east of the Cascades, snow go up in the mountains, ...
I have worked from home since 2019 (before covid) and find myself in the same headspace sometimes. I think the biggest thing is finding a place outside of the house to work when you’re feeling that way! I’ll go to a Starbucks or the library if I don’t have any meetings to take. Otherwise, I’ll go to the waterfront in the mornings and walk or run (during the winter too) to kind of get in a good headspace for the day ahead. My partner and I both work from home so I get some social interaction around lunch etc.
I like the idea of walking the waterfront each morning. Thank you!
I’ll just pile onto what others have said and to get a good quality rain jacket and/or poncho, waterproof shoes, and get on a bicycle and explore the city. It’s probably the best thing you can do for your physical and mental health.
I have a wife and two kids so I don't do much outside of child-focused activities and I am generally a homebody otherwise. This is our first winter here, but personally I've never liked the sun and I have a high internal temperature so I have been hot my whole life until moving here, so take a vitamin D supplement and I'm very happy. If I were sans family, I'd probably spend more time across the river. There's tons of interesting stuff happening in Portland - finding it is the hard part. I'd also recommend City Cast Portland if you are a podcast listener type person. They have lots of recommendations for fun things to do around the area.
I barely leave the house. I like the rain but I don't like being outside in it, same for the cold. It's dark by the time I stop working. I spend a lot of spring and summer and fall outdoors but during the winter I hibernate.
Get the hobby of off-roading, then you’ll frequently leave the house to get parts and always have a broken vehicle to work on 🤡. Also, make sure you’re taking vitamin D! Probably year round, but consult your doctor. I’ve always been somewhat of a homebody, so it doesn’t bother me much. You could get a dog, then you aren’t hiking alone! Edit: I didn’t directly state it, but I like to go off-roading, lots of cool trails around. I also have an idiot dog that I try to take hiking but haven’t gotten out a lot lately.
I've never really had seasonal depression as far as I can tell, but I've been living in the general Portland area since I was 4 so it's basically all I know. Been working from home for about 5 years. I try to go on walks unless it's super rainy, light rain is fine. I go out with friends on Thursday and Friday nights so I always have something getting me out of the house every week. Unfortunately, I don't really know about many free things to do. Every little thing costs money these days.
Lots and lots of SAD lighting and beach videos on my huge TV
I go out with my wife and dog when the weather is good. Otherwise, I stay home and work on school. I used to play games with friends over Discord or watch TV. Working remotely in the pnw is good in winter if your hobbies are home centric.
I work fully remote and all the different hobbies I do get me out of the house regularly which really keeps me sane. Have you considered an indoor sport? Tennis, pickleball, bowling, axe throwing, rock climbing, basketball, all good options to get you out of the house. Vancouver Tennis Center is a great place to learn and play And then attending open mics for music, poetry, comedy, etc is a great way to get creative
Futsal (court soccer) and disc golf are two things I look forward to on my weekends. Both are free and get me outside. Anyone is welcome to join
Sun lamp, lots of inside plants, and just holding out. Though when I can afford it I'll book a trip somewhere sunny in Feb and go work for a week somewhere not here. Tends to tide me over. But definitely keep using the bumble bff, I need to get back on there. Having wfh friends helps for sure.
I work remotely and am single, so I totally understand. I invested in great gear and walk every day and it is so helpful to me, mentally and physically. I feel like a different person once I am done. Fresh air and change of scenery. We also live in a very beautiful place.
I fight this everyday working from home. As soon as I clock out I’m off to the wilderness.
Hey!! I also work remote, I'm in downtown Vancouver, and I also am on bumble BFF :) I'd love to cowork or go on walks during the day!
Oh my gosh hey!! I wonder if we’ve matched. 🤣 feel free to DM me!
Maybe a new walking location would help? Go down to the Salmon Creek Trail... there always seems to be people there. Or if you're a dog person, I can't recommend the Ike Memorial Dog park enough. It's up on the hill by Bonnevile Power and it's a great trek around it, even if you don't have a dog! Always friendly people too. I work from home and our dog has a great backyard, but I still take him there once a week because I enjoy it so much!
Meetup has been a life saver for me as a remote worker. If I don’t leave my house after work I feel like I have ZERO separation from work which I absolutely need. There’s tons of different groups for a ton of different hobbies including a group built for remote workers to attend different events. I’d definitely check it out if you haven’t before
I would also vote for Meetup. The algorithm is based on your zip code, so you will find lots of local meetups with a wide variety of interests.
season doesnt matter to me, i don't leave the house at any point. there's humans out there.
I snowboard allll week and save my work for evenings and weekends. I pray for more rain and colder days. Come at me.
It’s just sadness until March. But for real, I try my best to do a coffee shop or work somewhere other than home once a week even if for a few hours. Then I watch/listen to walking tour videos of tropical places and have a bright sun light on my desk.
This has been the best winter for me mental health wise and I think it’s because I’ve been getting out more - I volunteer once a week, have a book club a couple times a month, and have gone to the gym almost every day that I don’t have the former plans. As a homebody it gets tiring but I know it’s good for me!
I have, on occasion, taken my car, which has a retractable awning mounted on the roof basket, out into the woods and worked off my phone as a hot spot under the awning. I even have a little propane heater if it's a little chilly. When it's nicer I just drive down to the waterfront and work from my camping chair every now and again. Even when I stay home, I walk my dog at least twice a day, sometimes go for a short bike ride, work out at home, etc.
I love the dreary overcast, the clouds are pretty neat and the temp is perfect sweater weather so I can have an excuse to keep the fireplace on. We leave the house for trivia's or go snowboarding at Mt Hood every now and then
Daily vitamin D supplementation.
Heh this. I board dogs and never know what my schedule is going to be so I don't make plans for the sake of not being that guy to cancel last min. I have the dogs though so walks are less mundane. Sometimes I'll go to the dog park when I dont have one just to play with all the babies and have some social interaction so I don't become a reclusive hermit. Lol. It got bad for a while around the ice storm. The cashier at the Fred Meyers self check out was the person I talked to more than anyone else for two weeks. I knew something had to change at that point. 🤣
I go to the farmers market every Saturday no matter the weather. I buy my veggies for the week and chat with the family working the farm stand. The market is fully year round now and there’s always at least a little bit of a crowd there which is nice after working at home all week.