Sunday, July 28, 2013

July in Abu Dhabi: Got a case of the stir-crazies? Just know you are not alone

The way you feel right now? That's a case of the mid-UAE summer stir-crazies. 

If you feel fine, then maybe you are lucky, and it hasn't set in yet.

If you are scoffing at the notion, feeling assured that you are strong enough to withstand high temperatures coupled with a dearth of fresh air - and ready to argue that the thing you are mad about now you are really and truly mad about and would be even if it was lovely, lovely February - then I'd suggest that you either don't know about the stir-crazies or are in deep denial about having them.

I realised the mid-UAE summer stir crazies had descended over the weekend when I looked out my car window and I hated everything I saw. (I hated things inside the car too, and inside myself of course. It was equal-opportunity hatred). All of a sudden the things that I treasured mere days ago were sore points. Joy was gone. And the people around me? Irritating, all of them.

I managed to escape this feeling last summer, for the most part, by attending daily RPM classes. One summer I staved them off by going for long, sweaty late-night walks. 

Leaving for somewhere you can breathe - even the UAE seaside - helps. 

In the meantime, deep breaths and calm thoughts. This too shall pass. I've been here for five years - the summer always does. 






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