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Q: The winter blues
Every winter that I spend in PRC, I find that my depression increases exponentially. What do you do to keep your spirits up?
8 years 24 weeks ago in Health & Safety - China
here in Shenzhen its still summer
27pence:
Same as Foshan, people think I am cold because I am wearing a T-shirt still.
RobRocks:
I do miss winter,last year in Shenzhen I think we had 2 weeks of cold weather then it got warm again.
I agree with Karma101,
Winter is not so bad if you are in bed with a beautiful woman. Besides no one can feel depressed whilst receiving a BJ.
Spiderboenz:
I am done with the women here. Can't find any that aren't broken or toxic.
Lord_hanson:
Who said it had to be a Chinese girl? What city do you live in, are there no women from other countries? I'm in Tianjin and there are loads of non Chinese women here.
SpongeBob:
If every woman you have is a broken or toxic person it says a lot more about you than it does about them: It says . . .
A. You have horrible taste.
B. You’re unconsciously putting something out there to only attract horrible people.
C. They’re not really horrible at all (you’re the one thing they all have in common.)
Spirits up. You answered your own question. Now go purchase your favorite spirit, and booze it on up. Kidding aside, yeah winters can be quite harsh on the mind, especially when alone in the flat. Do you like pets ? If so, get a dog. That will force you to go outside with it for it to do its thing. give you a higher sense of purpose. GL.
For me its the impending Christmas season, or rather lack of in China, that brings me down. A flight home helps but you can't spend all winter at home.
Stay away from drinking as much as possible, it's a depressant which wont help. I enjoy a beer every now and then. I just try to ensure I'm not just sat doing nothing but drinking. I'll have it with a meal or while I'm playing a game or watching a TV show. Don't make it the main event.
I like to watch comedies, or just shows I've never watched before. ATM I'm watching Battlestar Gallactica. Never had the urge to before, but 4 seasons and a few movies will keep me occupied if I'm down/bored. Find a show you've always wanted to watch and watch it.
Get out more. Doesn't have to mean go and be sociable if you aren't feeling it. Go for a run or a jog, or just a walk round the neighbourhood at night when there's fewer people. I find getting out of the house, even if I don't really feel like it at first, can help. Take your phone and take a few photos if you want, they can be of anything but you'll feel creative AF.
Get Fallout 4. Nuff said.
Think of some decent questions and post them on here. Engage in decent conversation with us strangers. I know it helps me sometimes to just come on here and look through the questions.
Finally, maybe go see a therapist. I'm not saying you need it, but having someone who's job it is to listen, to actually listen to you and talk things over with you can help. You don't need to have issues or be going through a crisis to go see a therapist. And having someone who's not a friend/family member to talk to, might help you get some stuff off your chest. It might be difficult to find an English speaking therapist over here, but they do exist so it might be an option. If not, I'm sure there are online distance options.
P.S. studies have shown that smiling helps you to feel happy. Our bodies and minds have made a connection that because we smile when we're happy, if we're smiling, we must be happy. So smiling tricks your brain into feeling happy. 
Hang out with your friends
join some sort of club (Music-sport-etc)
Focus on learning something new ( A language or playing an instrument )
keep in touch with your old friends and your family !
Good luck!
I look on the bright side. At least it puts an end to the incessant din of the old ma's dance music outside my apartment in the morning and evening.
Actually I kind of look forward to it. Where I am it gets down to the minus mid-30s but I have a great coat and don't fear going out. And the air here is very fresh.
I would think I'm no less social during winter. Doesn't mean I'm sociable though. In fact I'm usually happy to keep people at some arm's length. And that's not difficult when I live in a place that has practically no foreigners.
Send me a PM if you'd like to have the occasional yarn.
I find a good TV series to watch - preferably one with several seasons.
close the curtains to block out the view of the smog and i do some yoga.
Don't go for any false 'jollying along' with people who think that is all you need: acknowledge how you are and accept it as part of yourself.
Just yesterday bought an electric blanket and my winter clothes from my dongbei wanders in the past has been brought out.
Bring it on, I have plenty booze, books to read and movies to watch.
i go back to the us for 2 months leaving dec 8th return end of jan
Going to the gym helps keep me centered and more or less positive most of the time, and working on my life after China plan keeps me focused on the end goal but this place does get to me so I try to keep a day where I stay at home, avoid people and listen to music,watch something good I downloaded, cook something awesome and get drunk. And forget where I am.
