Winter in NYC is super brutal, with record snowfall, bone-chilling cold, and gloomy grey skies sweeping the city.
But the winter can be so much more than just brutal cold and icky, slushy snow-- it can also make you feel super disoriented and out of touch.
Cabin fever is real, and the more you stay home to avoid the cold, the crazier you can start to feel.
If you've been noticing one of these 9 signs as a result of your hibernation this winter, you might need to start getting out of your apartment ASAP-- especially with this spring-like weather we're having this week.
1. You've been wearing pajamas for way too long
It's super important to stay warm during the winter, both inside and outside.
You swap all your normal clothes like your best jeans for your favorite flannel pajama bottoms paired with the biggest, softest sweater you own. By the end of winter, your pants will have developed holes and all your sweaters smell like dank butt.
Time to throw on your favorite, freshest outfit so that you can look (and feel) fabulous.
[anad]
2. Your apartment is gross
When you finally open the blinds and your apartment fills with sunlight, you notice that your apartment is a horrible mess.
There are empty takeout containers everywhere, you haven't recycled all those wine and beer bottles in ages, and your fridge is full of leftovers that are several weeks old.
Two words: Spring. Cleaning.
3. Your utility bill is off the charts
It's either air conditioning in the summer or heating in the winter, but either way, your latest utility bill accounts for all those times you blasted the heat in your apartment without stopping.
You're bound to be broke, so if you're looking for a little warmth, maybe you should get out and get some natural heating via that good ol' fashioned sun.
4. You broke all your New Year's Resolutions already
You promised yourself you would use that brand-spanking-new gym membership starting January 2nd, but you haven't gone since then.
You said you were going to stop smoking--okay, well, smoke less--but your apartment is full of cigarette butts and ash from your piece. Maybe it's time to come up with some new New Year's Resolutions?
5. Your credit card statement is overrun by Seamless bills
Since you have been trapped inside your apartment hiding from the cold, you got a little lazy on grocery shopping (unless you count picking up snacks from the bodega across the street as grocery shopping.)
As a means to your survival, you've been living off of Chinese food, sushi, and sandwiches delivered faithfully and unconditionally through all that wicked winter weather (via Seamless, of course).
So isn't it about time you ran to the grocery store and picked up some fresh fruits and veggies?
6. You packed on the pounds
Tying in numbers 4 and 5 on this list is the result of being stuck inside during the winter. You had one burrito too many and now your waistline is paying the price.
Your winter body doesn't have to be your summer body, though. Remember that gym membership? How about a jog around the neighborhood?
7. You're uncontrollably horny
Since you haven't gotten out in a few months, you haven't met anyone new. You avoid your hookup's text messages unless he or she agrees to come over to your place. Are those cobwebs growing beneath your jeans?
You need to get out there and get some action before you become a cat lady or that neighborhood creep.
8. You haven't seen your friends in weeks
When you invite them over, they bail. When they invite you over, you bail too.
Your friendship is not worth risking your life in the cold and snow, and you and your friends have mutually agreed upon this.
So why not get outside and go see them... like now? And get some D (woops, still horny, I meant vitamin D) while you're at it!
9. You leave your apartment and discover your favorite local establishment closed down
In New York City, businesses can open and close in the blink of an eye.
When you leave your apartment to meet friends for happy hour drinks at the bar nearby your apartment, you realize that it closed down for good while you were stuck inside your apartment all winter.
How could this happen?! How come you didn't know sooner?! Good thing the weather is getting warmer now so that you can exercise your limbs-- as you look for a new spot to become a regular at.
If you enjoyed this article, check out the 7 Things New Yorkers Automatically Do When It Gets Warmer Out!