https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-desperate-to-get-away-from-the-sun Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 21 Apr 2026 16:52:48 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-desperate-to-get-away-from-the-sun#post-666875 Thu, 12 Jul 2012 17:10:18 +0000 Anonymous 666875@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Are you feeling captive to the kids' outdoor activities and overwhelmed by the fact they require constant supervision while doing them? </p> <p>I feel the same way about the sun and summer as you do and I used to feel a lot worse when my kids were young. I think it was the psychological notion that I was *stuck* following them around in the hot sun. Now that they're older and can play with less supervision outside or at the pool, I don't care as much about sitting there. I don't know if that makes sense or not, but rest assured, they won't always be needing you to be *right there.* Just hang in there a few more years!</p> <p>ETA: By the way, there's nothing wrong with cutting down on outdoor activities with the kids for awhile as you adjust mentally and emotionally to everything that's going on with you right now. There are other fun activities. Or you can call it quits after an hour. It's better to curb a little of the fun than run the risk of starting to resent time with them outdoors, kwim? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-desperate-to-get-away-from-the-sun#post-666790 Thu, 12 Jul 2012 15:41:14 +0000 Aziraphale 666790@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks, Manidipa. I think I'll ask the doctor about non-headache migraines next time I see her. To be honest I'd never heard of them! I knew that migraine headaches are often accompanied by nausea/abdominal distress/weird vision changes etc, but I didn't know you could have a migraine without the headache part. :-)</p> <p>Feeling much better today. Thanks for the suggestions! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-desperate-to-get-away-from-the-sun#post-666606 Thu, 12 Jul 2012 09:55:09 +0000 ManidipaM 666606@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Elisabeth, I wasn't thinking of headaches, actually; I was thinking of non-headache migraines, where the light alone is what bothers you --- and that 'botheration' is pretty difficult to define. Just wondered... But if you're sure that's not it, I guess you just have to find a way to compromise between the kids' preferences and your own distress.</p> <p>After all, learning to compromise for other people's comfort is one of those lessons your going to be teaching your kids anyway, right? Why not this way? I like AJ's suggestion to limit outings to the late afternoon/early evening hours, for instance; or even early mornings at the beach/park/wherever and back for brunch? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-desperate-to-get-away-from-the-sun#post-666544 Thu, 12 Jul 2012 04:51:27 +0000 Aziraphale 666544@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Victoria, Heather, Janet -- thanks for the commiseration!</p> <p>Una, the funny thing is, the is the first week of really nice weather we've had all year. And I love the sunny mornings and sunshine streaming in the window! It's being out in it that's the problem....</p> <p>VC, thank so much for the commiseration and detailed suggestions! I have a few of those trips in mind, actually. I live in Maillardville, near the border to New West, so we can just hop on the freeway and be in North Van in 20 minutes. Lynn Canyon was on my list. It's just that the kids have friends whom they want to play with, and all the other moms are going to the beaches and parks, so at least some days out in the sun are going to be unavoidable.</p> <p>Got a laugh out of picturing you all happy in the rain, btw. I know what you mean. I can't say I love days and days of rainy weather -- too much of anything gets tiresome -- but I certainly enjoy the feeling of the first summer storm, when it cools everything down a few notches and there's that wonderful stormy smell in the air. </p> <p>Manidipa, I hear what you're saying, but I don't get migraines. When I say headaches, they're not the splitting kind. I'm not crying because of the pain! My current weepiness is at least partly due to the fact that I also have PMS right now, which means minor things trigger lump in throat/wet eyes. And the "minor thing" that set me over the edge yesterday was the thought of having to spend yet another day out in the sun minding the children. I don't cry in front of them, but after they went to bed last night I sobbed for two hours. But I also cried helplessly at a visit to the doctor the day before, to discuss my mom's developing dementia, so there are more things going on than an aversion to having sun on my head. :-)</p> <p>Also, I take daily calcium/magnesium tablets to prevent osteoporosis, since I'm in a risk group. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-desperate-to-get-away-from-the-sun#post-666534 Thu, 12 Jul 2012 04:37:45 +0000 Lena 666534@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Elisabeth and VelvetyChocolate, I feel much the same way about this bright orb in the sky that most people seem to like </p> <p>I have skin cancer history, so there's that reason. Even before that I never enjoyed baking and basking. I really dislike the hours when the sun is high (after 11-12pm and until 4pm or so): colors go flat and lose shadows, and I'm squinting constantly. I lose energy when it's so bright. Overcast days are favorite summer days I think. And twilight is my favorite time, both morning and evening. </p> <p>I do understand how it's possible to miss it. When Pacific NW winter and spring light changes towards summer light, I can feel a definite boost in my mood and energy levels. But it's a fine line for me. It quickly becomes almost oppressive. </p> <p>Elisabeth, I'm sorry you're feeling so down. You got some good advice already, I don't have anything wise to add. </p> <p>Velvetychocolate, I really liked reading your comments. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-desperate-to-get-away-from-the-sun#post-666525 Thu, 12 Jul 2012 04:15:54 +0000 Sylvie 666525@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I hear you. In theory I like sun. In practice, I get a massive headache after being out in it for a few hours. Wearing a hat + sunglasses gives me a little longer outside but just barely. Sometimes I wish it wasn't weird (in my local culture) to walk around carrying a parasol.</p> <p>I second the idea of finding forests to hang out in. It's about the only way I've found I can get my outdoor time without getting too much sun exposure. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-desperate-to-get-away-from-the-sun#post-666524 Thu, 12 Jul 2012 04:14:37 +0000 AJ 666524@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Have friends over at your backyard instead and have the water sprinklers on for the kiddos? </p> <p>Eat an early dinner then head out to the pool? That way you also have a time limit. "Sorry kids the pool closes in 2 hours." : )</p> <p>Seek other types of activities for the kids? Our local library system has summer programs at all the various locations: puppet shows, movies, sing alongs. There's something going on every weekday.</p> <p>Seek out shady neighborhood parks? </p> <p>Please pace your activities so you're not out in the sun everyday. I know it's hard to say no to get-togethers, but if it's making you miserable, then don't feel guilty to find other things to do, even if it's not the kids' first choice. You need a happy compromise to keep your spirits up...mothering is hard work. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-desperate-to-get-away-from-the-sun#post-666511 Thu, 12 Jul 2012 04:01:31 +0000 Scarlet 666511@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Would it be possible to hire a babysitter to take your kids to some of these activities to give yourself a little respite? I feel so sorry for you. Not that it's much help, but I often resort to a loose, long-sleeve button-up shirt, cotton or linen, when I am in strong sun. My skin just cannot take direct, powerful sun. I also feel sorry for Mo's man living in Florida. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-desperate-to-get-away-from-the-sun#post-666502 Thu, 12 Jul 2012 03:49:17 +0000 ManidipaM 666502@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm going to throw you a bit of a curveball --- go see a migraine specialist. If the sun is actually reducing you to tears, you could well be photophobic, which is a key criterion of migraines (and no, they don't ALL cause headaches and upset stomaches; just most of them!). Get checked out!</p> <p>And get a magnesium boost (supplement or just food: beans, fish etc) for the PMS... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-desperate-to-get-away-from-the-sun#post-666438 Thu, 12 Jul 2012 02:39:05 +0000 velvetychocolate 666438@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Throwing in a few pictures that might cheer you:</p> <p>Lynn Canyon - pic 1<br /> Lynn Canyon picnic area - pic 2<br /> Pacific Rim national park - pic 3 (yes, a bit far - more for a vacation than a day trip)<br /> Seymour Demonstration forest - pic 4</p> <p>from:</p> <p><a href="http://www.seethenorthshore.com/lynn/lynn.htm" rel="nofollow">http://www.seethenorthshore.com/lynn/lynn.htm</a> (pics #1 and #2)<br /> <a href="http://www.oceanlight.com/spotlight.php?img=21051" rel="nofollow">http://www.oceanlight.com/spotlight.php?img=21051</a> (pic #3)<br /> <a href="http://www.metrovancouver.org/services/parks_lscr/lscr/Pages/default.aspx" rel="nofollow">http://www.metrovancouver.org/.....fault.aspx</a> (pic #4)</p> <p>Here's a whole bunch from Seymour Demonstration forest (via google images):</p> <p><a href="http://www.google.com/search?q=seymour+demonstration+forest&#038;hl=en&#038;client=firefox-a&#038;hs=hhp&#038;rls=org.mozilla:en-GB:official&#038;prmd=imvns&#038;source=lnms&#038;tbm=isch&#038;sa=X&#038;ei=gDb-T8HtCKSi2gXLs6XUDw&#038;ved=0CDwQ_AUoAQ&#038;biw=1440&#038;bih=690" rel="nofollow">http://www.google.com/search?q.....38;bih=690</a></p> <p>Keep cool and head on into the forests during the hot summer days. Just for the record - the Seymour Demonstration forest bike path is a fun place to go rollerblading. Not sure how old your kids are, but riding bikes or rollerblading up and down that path (pic #4) is a *fab* thing to do in the summer. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-desperate-to-get-away-from-the-sun#post-666402 Thu, 12 Jul 2012 01:41:07 +0000 Janet 666402@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Elisabeth, I kind of understand. I don't do well in the heat. Never have. I sweat, my face gets red, I don't like it. I struggle to get out and do things I love in the summer because of it. I wish I had some good advice, but I don't. Just wanted to commiserate. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-desperate-to-get-away-from-the-sun#post-666399 Thu, 12 Jul 2012 01:37:59 +0000 velvetychocolate 666399@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have finally met someone (well, here online at YLF) who is just like me! I hate summer, and don't enjoy too much sun. I moved from Vancouver to Colorado awhile back, and I was surprised to find that the endless sun sapped my energy. I'm not kidding - when the clouds rolled in, my energy and mood would totally perk up. I'm now in Utah - and right now, in summer, it's pretty darned bad. </p> <p>Last week, there was one single day where it actually rained after something like 60 days with no measurable rainfall at all, and I was over the moon. My dog trainer picked up my doggie, and I was all excited about the rain. Went out, ran a few errands ( I wanted to dance in the streets in my bare feet!), and when dog trainer returned my doggie, I was in a good mood... because it was raining. He thought I was a little nuts for saying, "Isn't it great???" I was thrilled to have doggie come barreling into the house, totally wet and his fur all curled up. Love the dark skies, the grey storm clouds and the rain. </p> <p>Sun just saps my energy and I must not be normal because too many sunny days in a row put me in a bad mood. When I moved to Colorado, my stepkids were surprised to hear me saying, "Stop with the sun..." and so on. They laughed. </p> <p>When it's grey, foggy, windy and rainy - I'm at my happiest. Isn't that weird? </p> <p>.....</p> <p>In terms of 'what to do' - the only thing I can suggest (and I don't know if this is do-able, given your schedule and family situation) is getting up extra-early in the morning and throwing on your (hopefully stylish) yoga clothes and going straight outside for a walk before the sun comes up. Alternatively, I also recommend late night jaunts outside, at dusk - when the sky is not quite dark, but a beautiful purple-ish colour ....even if you don't go for a walk, definitely spend some time outdoors when it's *not* all blindingly sunny and hot. If that means sipping on a cup of chamomile tea or having a glass of wine at 10pm out on your deck, then so be it. I *love* the outdoors and the more time I spend in the woods, under the sky, the happier I am. </p> <p>Speaking of which - I am not sure exactly where you are...but if you happen to be in the Vancouver area, I would highly recommend seeking out forested parks and trails instead of the beach or pools that are under the hot sun. So, for example, instead of Kits Beach pool, you'd head to Bridgeman Park in North Vancouver, and be totally shaded and cool amongst the towering trees. Just as much fun and way more beautiful - just not directly under the blazing sun. Also good is a place like Seymour Demonstration forest or Lynn Headwaters park way up in upper Lynn Valley. Lynn Canyon is also a good place to go - very shaded and cool. Deep, dark and green. </p> <p>Pack up a fun picnic lunch or pick something up along the way and head to Rice Lake in the Seymour Demonstration forest in North Vancouver. If you're not on the North Shore, and if this is off the beaten path for you - just leave by 2pm and you'll be back home before the worst of rush hour hits. </p> <p>When it's that hot and sunny, you want to be in the forest - preferably a super-mossy, old-growth, emerald green one. The time to 'hit the beach' when it's too hot and sunny is when the sun goes down. The Pacific Northwest has the longest and most beautiful sunsets anywhere.</p> <p>That's another option - a picnic dinner at the beach (late-ish) followed by just hanging out and watching the sunset. It'll be cooler than mid-day. Husband or partner can peel off work clothes, change into comfy beach clothes, everyone can head to the beach and have a simple dinner. Play in the ocean a bit...and then enjoy the sunset. That way, people still feel like it's "summer" and get their beach time, but without it requiring sitting there during the hottest, sunniest part of the day. </p> <p>I used to come home from work, peel off my work clothes, change into casual, comfortable stuff and walk to Kits beach. I'd hit the Safeway at 4th and Vine...grab some french bread, some cheese, some fancy sliced meats or salame from the deli and continue on down to the beach. I'd stop at Starbucks for an iced decaf or other fussy beverage. I'd plunk my bare feet deep into the sand and just *relax*. I might walk along the ocean's edge, letting the waves lap at my ankles. I usually had a good book with me too, or a journal of some kind. </p> <p>This might be a really nice way to "hit the beach" with your family, without being there at like noon, in the blazing sun...broiling and feeling miserable and irritated. </p> <p>If not in the Vancouver area - the same still holds true - seek out forested areas, instead of beaches and pools that are directly under the sun. It'll be just as much fun for the kids. Go the beach at supper time or after supper and watch the sun go down. Go "camping" or "hiking" in the woods during the hot summer days. </p> <p>Just because it's what normal people do - there's nothing saying you have to go to the beach in the middle of the day, in the height of summer. Look for some forested areas. Have a picnic lunch...and enjoy the cool shade of tall evergreen trees. </p> <p>Go somewhere else tomorrow - some place cooler, greener and woodsy-er. It's still summer - just more like 'camping' or hiking in the woods instead of parking yourself at the beach or pool. </p> <p>In spirit, </p> <p>VC. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-desperate-to-get-away-from-the-sun#post-666398 Thu, 12 Jul 2012 01:37:59 +0000 catgirl 666398@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Trade places with me for the summer. I am totally desperate for sun!</p> <p>I do feel for you. Are you dehydrated? Overheated? The thought of tears being shed at the beach make me want to cry. Hugs to you! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-desperate-to-get-away-from-the-sun#post-666394 Thu, 12 Jul 2012 01:32:00 +0000 Victoria 666394@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Elizabeth: if you can't stay in the shade, use regular umbrella(get light colored one to reflect the sun better) to stay under while your kids play in the sun and you have to watch them. Where I live, 80 % of women carry open umbrella while walking or standing in the sun, not kidding. Noone bats an eye.<br /> Don't feel depressed, hon, there is always a solution:) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-desperate-to-get-away-from-the-sun#post-666379 Thu, 12 Jul 2012 01:10:14 +0000 Heather 666379@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hugs, Dear Elisabeth. I hate that you are shedding tears over it. I have no solution, but thinking of you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-desperate-to-get-away-from-the-sun#post-666358 Thu, 12 Jul 2012 00:45:50 +0000 Aziraphale 666358@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>LOL, Jenava, I live in Vancouver. It's even rainier here. :-)</p> <p>Missvee, Victoria: Thanks for the tips. The huge golf umbrella is not a bad idea, although I'm going to look like a nutcase carrying it around the playground. And I do drink lots of water. And it's not like it's even all that hot. I'm not wildly uncomfortable at the beach, especially if there's a breeze, but I just hate being out there in the bright sun and by the time I get home, even if I've managed to avoid the headache, I'm unhappy. Bright sun just makes me feel harassed. </p> <p>And it's not like I can just sit there under my beach umbrella and do nothing. Like yesterday, the kids wanted to go search for tiny crabs, so I'm over by the rocky bit overturning little boulders so they can snatch the crabs as they scurry out. I've got to participate. Or like today, they're in the wading pool at the park and there's no shade at all, but you're not allowed to let under-sevens in there alone, so I'm standing in shin-deep water with my hat and dark sunglasses for an hour while they play. And it seems that an hour is about all I can stand before I'm thoroughly miserable, so even though we went and played in the shady part after coming out of the wading pool, it's too late, I'm already feeling weepy.</p> <p>My parents have this classic story of when I was three, and we were staying at a beach resort on my birthday, and in an hour of coaxing they COULD NOT convince me to come and open my presents. My mom thought there was something terribly wrong with me. It wasn't until my auntie suggested that maybe they move the party off the beach and into the shade on the grass that I was happy to be the birthday girl and open the presents. So I guess I'm just not built for the sun!</p> <p>Incidentally I used to love summer. But I think I spent a lot more time out on summer evenings, and not so much during the day. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-desperate-to-get-away-from-the-sun#post-666351 Thu, 12 Jul 2012 00:36:20 +0000 Mo 666351@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ha ha Jenava - my BF has thought about it for that reason alone! He calls it 'the evil orb' and being red haired and fair skinned, I can see why he's no sun lover. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-desperate-to-get-away-from-the-sun#post-666348 Thu, 12 Jul 2012 00:29:19 +0000 Jenava 666348@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You could move to Seattle... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-desperate-to-get-away-from-the-sun#post-666335 Thu, 12 Jul 2012 00:10:10 +0000 Victoria 666335@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I used to be fine to be in the sun(even though I am very fair) but ever since I acquired a chronic illness some 10 years ago, I can't be in the sun for more than few minutes at the time otherwise I start feeling dizzy, nauseaus, and faint. Since I live near the beach this seriously stinks. So if I go to the beach, I stay in the shade under unbrella or under trees and then I am ok. As MissVee said, big umbrella is a great to hide unde as well as staying out of the sun during peak hours, that's what I do.<br /> I do understand how you feel because I had to skip activities with friends before because they would have taken place someone sunny, with no shade and I know that it won't have a good outcome for me. I made peace with my illness long time ago so I don't let things like that bother me </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-desperate-to-get-away-from-the-sun#post-666315 Wed, 11 Jul 2012 23:39:21 +0000 missvee 666315@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm fair skinned, so the sun is not my friend either. Make sure you drink lots of water, much more than you think you need. It's too easy to get dehydrated and that's when the headaches and tiredness start for me. I also love loose linen shirts so I don't have to slather sunscreen on my arms, and my legs, and my face, etc. Can you schedule your time outside so that you're not in the heat of the day? Even people who love the sun are now more aware of its drawbacks, so maybe you can plan beach or park time for early morning or late afternoon rather than mid-day. Another suggestion, get a sunbrella. We use them for golfing - it's a big umbrella that's double lined so the shade underneath is really dark. Even when it's very hot, you feel very cocooned and protected underneath. Now for the PMS, I have no suggestions : ) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-desperate-to-get-away-from-the-sun#post-666299 Wed, 11 Jul 2012 23:03:30 +0000 Aziraphale 666299@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Every year I dread summer. Most people love it, and ever since I've had kids I find myself counting the days until it's over. I think I've finally figured out why. It's not the kids who are the problem. It's the sun! I can't stand being out in the sun, and these days I'm trapped out there at the spray park or the pool or the beach with the kids. I slather on sunscreen, I wear a hat and sunglasses, I try to stay in the shade as much as possible, but even so I've got no energy and have a headache half the time. I just don't know what to do. I cried for two solid hours yesterday night after my third straight day at the beach, and while it's possible I have a touch of PMS (haha) I think most of it came from knowing I had to meet friends at the blindingly sunny spray park the next day.</p> <p>I just don't know what to do. Any suggestions? I can't keep the kids inside -- they love playing out of doors. </p>