The Weather Is a-Changing

By Becky Brooks

2 min read

Change is hard for me. Any change is a challenge when you have a debilitating disease. Right now, the season is changing. The air is starting to chill in the mornings and the evenings. It is a sign that fall is on its way. The thought of a new weather forecast makes me feel a little anxious.

I loved the season

Before COPD, fall was always my favorite season. Since being diagnosed with this disease, I have started to feel apprehensive about changes in the weather. It is going to get colder with time. Dew will be in the air and frost will be on the ground. The precipitation makes the air feel heavy to breathe. The new season is going to require some adaptations.

Routines will have to be altered

Fall means that my exercise routine will need to change. I find it harder to walk my long trails when the air seems heavier. So the long walks I get to take in the summer will be shorter. I will have to do more indoor exercises and ride my stationary bike to make up for the shorter walks. Keeping up my exercise is important to me. It's something I do to stay as healthy as possible.

New ways to dress for the season

With the lower temperature, the wardrobe will have to change as well. The boots and overcoats will come out and replace shorts and walking shoes. This year, I may try mixing things up a bit. Maybe I will practice more of the layering techniques I've seen others use. That could be a fun way to celebrate the cooler weather. A new look is always exciting.

Don't worry, be happy

There is nothing I can do to stop the ever-changing seasons. Whether I like it or not, fall is in the air. It is going to happen. So, I have decided to make the most of it. For me, it will probably be best if I try to anticipate the adaptions that have to be made and not fear them. I will just dig down deep and find my happy place. It is always about how we look at things. It's about our perception.

More fun than I thought

I believe that a good attitude will alleviate a lot of my anxiety. So I will look for the beauty of the colors this season brings. I will enjoy having the windows open. Polish my cute boots, put away the summer-only clothes, and pull the stationary bike out of storage. This may be more fun than I thought. Maybe change isn't so scary after all.

How do you deal with the changing seasons? Do you enjoy it when the weather gets colder? Share more with us in the comments below!

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The COPD.net team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

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Jackie English Moderator & Contributor
Great article! I look forward to fall but dreading winter. -Jackie (Moderator)
Carol Kirker Moderator
I always have a difficult time with the seasons as they change. Spring is the worst for me because of allergies. The best way to deal with them is be prepared with whatever supplies make it easier. Carol (moderator)
chacha Member
It's so interesting how we all react differently to weather and seasons. I can't wait to kiss summer good bye -- kick it right out the door. The heat and humidity have me on prednisone for July and August. Yech 🙁 Hooray for cooler, dryer air, and God bless November through May 😀 
1. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
 <inline-mention username="chacha" user-id="2413458"/> Hi chacha - I hear you and so do many others here in our online community. So many of our community members (but certainly not all of them), have a much easier time managing this condition in the cooler, dryer weather. Bring on autumn!! Leon (site moderator <a href='http://COPD.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a>)
BJoT Member
The cooler weather definitely helps me in breathing.
1. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
 <inline-mention username="BJoT" user-id="4211057"/> Hi BJoT, and thanks for joining in the conversation here. We appreciate your feedback. Wishing you well, Leon (site moderator <a href='http://COPD.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a>)
lowcountreeladee Member
I live in Charleston, SC so I look forward to the fall although we don't have much fall in SC. It will be so much better than 95 degrees with 89% humidity. To walk outside and it just hits you in the face. And then put a mask on top of all that I simply can not breathe. I started weeding flower beds in the Spring but then came summer and I have been inside May-August. It is still in the high 80's but the humidity has dropped. I look forward to getting back outside. I don't remember having issues with the winter air but when it goes below 50 degrees (Brrrrr) , I am back in the house. Home Sweet Home! 
1. Becky Brooks Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="lowcountreeladee" user-id="2453794"/> I am fortunate that we don't suffer from the heat where I live but the frigid air can be difficult. I just flick my electric fireplace on and say Home Sweet Home too.
Beowulf Member
Anticipating fall with a measure of relief. Welcomed change from our muggy/buggy late summer slogs. My two gyms have been very challenging to workout in as they are metal and concentrate heat. I've hit the iron when the mercury tops 110° within them! Not pleasant. Definitely works up a sweat though. I may attempt to increase intensity in some movements if physically possible and the copd afflicted lungs permit it. Recently we've had a catastrophic loss in our family to suicide. This has dealt us a hammer strike of grief. But we must endeavor to persevere despite adversity. Optimistic in small measure...but it must suffice.
1. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
 <inline-mention username="Beowulf" user-id="4148450"/> Hi again, Beowulf - like my colleagues, <inline-mention username="SamanthaSarube" user-id="4200412"/>, and <inline-mention username="Lyn Harper, RRT" user-id="2449585"/>, I am so sorry to hear of the tragic loss in your family. Please accept my condolences at this time and extend them to the rest of your family as well. Warmly, Leon (site moderator <a href='http://COPD.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a>)
2. Becky Brooks Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Beowulf" user-id="4148450"/> I too am very sorry for your family's loss. Suicide is catastrophic. It sounds like the Fall season will be welcomed after dealing with that heat.
tomboyer46 Member
I am a bit envious of you guys as any exercise I attempt to do is quickly met with shortness of breath. I will miss the spring, summer and fall month as I can at least get out and mow (with my riding mower) the yard. While on my mower I can also use my grabber and pick up the sticks and other debris. I can also use some of my yard tools like my garden seat and something called Grandpas weed killer. Unique tool and it works. Just type it in to see it. The heat and humidity definitely holds me inside though so I just have to wait for those better days. The "winter days" will at least for me be really boring. To all of the above, thanks for sharing.
1. Becky Brooks Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="tomboyer46" user-id="4140736"/> It sounds like you have fun on your mower. It can be snowy in the winter here and I have to look for ways to relieve boredom too. Anyway, here's to making the best of every season!
duchess15 Member
We live in the desert and look forward to the cooler weather, right now through January it's monsoon season which means the humidity averages around 50% compared to the normal 8-10%. Most times we don't get the relieving rain just the humidity and the hot blowing air, between the two it makes breathing harder. Winter for us is usually chilly but dry making it a good breathing time and as a bonus we can make plans for any day and pretty well be assured the weather will not make us change those plans. Sounds like every place has it's pros and cons.
1. SamanthaSarube Community Admin
 <inline-mention username="duchess15" user-id="2446894"/> you are so right, every place has its pros and cons and what matters is that we are happy with where we are!
riraxx Member
im frightened of this illness bad pam nick attacks hate nights sleep sitting up only short sleeps
1. johnmarshall Community Admin
 <inline-mention username="riraxx" user-id="2465417"/> I'm sorry to hear you're not able to sleep well these days. Wishing you much peace and comfort. - John M. (COPD.net Team)

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