Intolerable

[deerwalk]

The intolerable heat is getting me down. There was some hope of rain today but no such luck I am feeling downright icky... I took multiple cold showers yesterday but still feel like I am going to crawl out of my skin. I hate the summer, it makes everything feel unreal, it's loathesome agony. I am crippled by this season. The high temperatures crank all of the unpleasant factors here up to high volume- the noise, the people, the stench, the cars and buses, pollution. Everything's intensified. Please, please wake me when it's fall again I can't excercise, can't meditate, can't read. It's suffocating. How can people like this? I wish I could run away to a cool and shady place for the next three months. I am having anxiety and fear again, the heat fuels my fear and depression. It's positively merciless. A cold beer sounds perfect, it's quite difficult to resist. I get more energy when I drink as well, I'd likely work out- I was thinner as a drinker... That makes no sense, I ate. I just hate the summer time.

[123bubblegum123]

Awww deer!

I'm really glad you shared this. This is like the second or third post today that i've read people struggling with the muggy and hot weather. To me, anything can be a trigger. Bad days, good days, hot days, cold days. The more experiences you get through sober, the better off you'll be for it. Keep coming here, hit more meeting, hang with sober friends, and, by all means, do your best to avoid the heat and stay inside! Try treating yourself to some fun things you can look forward to as a reward to yourself for getting through a difficult time! Rent some fun movies, go out for a nice dinner, etc.. You so deserve it and kudos for sharing about something you're struggling with!

stay safe!
Rach

p.s. i'm sure i'll be on the chat later tonight, please feel free to holler at me them or pm me if you just wanna vent

[Astro]

Originally Posted by deerwalk

A cold beer sounds perfect, it's quite difficult to resist.

That does sound good! But the consequences of drinking would be very bad, that motivates me to abstain

I'm originally from Highland Park so I remember what the heat is like there, but I've lived in Phoenix since 1970. It's like being in a microwave oven in the summer, don't believe what they say about it being a dry heat.

I work outside a lot, so it's impossible to escape it, but I agree with Rach that it's important to treat yourself to fun things, preferably done inside or somewhere cool. This is the time of year when I like to hang out at a coffee shop or anywhere I can sip a cold drink and either read a book or peoplewatch. It's also a good time to sit in a cool theatre and watch a movie.

[deerwalk]

Those are good ideas. I have quite a bit of social anxiety- well, anxiety in general, as so many do! I am unemployed and seeking work so spending money is a bit tight... non-existant really. I may have a bit of work coming up with some luck so at least I'll have someplace to go in the day. The social anxiety has worsened since I lost my job too... It's been a wacky year, heat just excacerbates it. Back when I was a daily drinker, for what ever eason I was really active. I rode my bike all summer long, went out, etc. I try to ride at night when I don't feel so exposed...

[Astro]

Do any of the museums in Chicago have free entry on certain days? I remember some art museums in Boston had those, we have them in Phoenix too. Check your local newsmagazines for free concerts at night, you don't have to spend money to have fun. Maybe take a cup of coffee and a good book to a park in the early morning before it heats up?

I don't have the social anxiety but I'm very shy. If you ever want to venture out a little, maybe some volunteer work (indoors, where it's cool) would be something you could try?

[Astro]

Do you live anywhere near The Art Institute? Check it out, "Target Free Summer Evenings" The Art Institute of Chicago: Visit: Target Free Summer Evenings

[Freedom1990]

I can empathize. The older I get, the harder the hot weather is on me. We hit a very humid 103 degrees today. Once I get off work, I run any errands I need to, go home, throw on my nightshirt, and I stay put.

I'm incredibly grateful I work inside!

[deerwalk]

It's true there are a few free things to do... the trouble is I am usually not so great in a crowd, and the summer seems to worsen this. I do like get a little time in the morning, maybe getting out early is the way to go... Lately I try to stay up so I sleep in more of the day but the days are so long with the time change, it's unreal... I can't stand it. It just extends the nightmare. I will likely bike again tonight, it takes forever and ever for the sun to go down.

[deerwalk]

I do enjoy volunteer work, I have looked into it a bit this week.

[adore79]

you should come to washington, its been a little too cold here lately.

[Astro]

Originally Posted by deerwalk

I do like get a little time in the morning, maybe getting out early is the way to go... Lately I try to stay up so I sleep in more of the day but the days are so long with the time change, it's unreal... I can't stand it. It just extends the nightmare. I will likely bike again tonight, it takes forever and ever for the sun to go down.

That's a good way to do it, change your sleep schedule so you're up later when it's cool, sleep in if it's hot, or vice-versa. Whatever you can find that works.

I did some volunteer work on the South Shore of Boston in the early 90's. I was repainting a historical building. Spent my time up on a ladder enjoying the beautiful view of the harbor and the cool ocean breeze. I didn't come into contact with anyone unless a passerby stopped to talk. It was great

[Pistoletta]

Psht, silly boy.

Chicago is wonderful this time of year. One of my favorite places ever.

If I could afford to, I'd come show you around your own city right about now.



Hit me up if ya wanna talk!

xoxo

KC

[Sweets79]

Originally Posted by deerwalk

The intolerable heat is getting me down. There was some hope of rain today but no such luck I am feeling downright icky... I took multiple cold showers yesterday but still feel like I am going to crawl out of my skin. I hate the summer, it makes everything feel unreal, it's loathesome agony. I am crippled by this season. The high temperatures crank all of the unpleasant factors here up to high volume- the noise, the people, the stench, the cars and buses, pollution. Everything's intensified. Please, please wake me when it's fall again I can't excercise, can't meditate, can't read. It's suffocating. How can people like this? I wish I could run away to a cool and shady place for the next three months. I am having anxiety and fear again, the heat fuels my fear and depression. It's positively merciless. A cold beer sounds perfect, it's quite difficult to resist. I get more energy when I drink as well, I'd likely work out- I was thinner as a drinker... That makes no sense, I ate. I just hate the summer time.

I will take some of that sun...

It's been raining in NY for almost a month. Tomorrow is supposed to be sunny (hopefully). I want to go in the pool. I like rain, but it's been alot.

I used to get energy when I drank aswell. The hardest time for me now is the morning.

[Bamboozle]

Hang in there, DW. Maybe you'll catch a break in the weather soon.

[otterbearcat]

Deer,

Maybe try looking at CL for a free or inexpensive A/C??

Or perhaps there is a community pool that is free or inexpensive, and try to find the 'off times'. When there isnt a bunch of people/kids around?


I cant stand the heat either. That's part of why I moved from Florida to Seattle.
Instead of beer maybe some really iced iced tea. I know it isnt the same... but...

[deerwalk]

You are quite right I am icing a nice chamomile/ green tea blend at the moment. I can't wait until it's done. We have a.c going... the light bothers me so I am staying in the dimmest room. I sound like a vampire right? I'm not! I even had a quick bike ride this morning before it got unbearable again. I would love to see Seattle, I hear nothing but good things about it.

[deerwalk]

Adore, I will be right over