Winter is here.., and surviving the cold season is a tedious task. With rising heating costs and predictions that this winter is going to be the coldest ever, we need to take the necessary precautions to be able to pull through. We have put together 11 simple hacks that you can follow to endure this weather. From short walks around the block to keep yourself physically and mentally fit to taking small measures to keep your house energy efficient, here's everything you need to know to survive the coldest winter.
Before anything else, the most important thing you have to do is always make conscious efforts to take some time off. With holidays around the corner, it is easy to get caught up in doing all festive-related activities and not just relax. Therefore, you must indulge yourself in your preferred mode of relaxation.
Winter brings shorter days, which means we get less sunlight than usual. This could lead to vitamin D deficiency, fatigue, and even Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). In such times, you must step outside and take in all the natural sunlight you can get. Try getting out for the first rays of sunlight, as it will give you all the strength and positive energy you need for the day ahead.
The most natural action during the cold season is to snuggle up in your blankets and never move. However, this is not the best option for your health. Try to include a short cardio workout or a 15-minute walk in your routine. Not only does this keep you healthy, but it also warms your body, so you wouldn't require unnecessary external heating.
Our skin bears the brunt of the harsh weather and cold winds. It is often chapped and cracked. You can avoid this by refraining from taking long, hot showers. Go for a short shower with lukewarm water, and always apply heavy moisturizers before your skin has completely dried off. The sun may not be as harsh in winter as it is in summer, but sunscreen is a requirement regardless. So, never forget them, even on overcast days.
…with yourself and your family. This is the season when your mood oscillates between the blues and grays. During this time, it is crucial that you always surround yourself with good vibes. Go out with your friends and always stay in touch with your loved ones so you will never lose yourself.
The temperatures have dropped and our immunity is at its weakest. This means cold, flu, and throat coats are quite common. It is not necessary to run to the drugstore or take prescriptions to treat these problems since there are quicker and much easier ways. One of the simplest yet most effective cures is… a cup of tea. Yes, that’s right. A cup of hot steaming tea is enough to get rid of all stuffiness and coldness.
Having to take more trips to the loo is no excuse for you to drink less amount of water during the winter. Regardless of the season, your body still requires a recommended amount of fluids daily to function properly. If plain water is too boring for you, try drinking flavored water, hot tea, soups, or even stew to get the hydration going.
Dry air is expected during the chilly season and can cause excessive dehydration and worsen respiratory and skin conditions. A humidifier helps maintain the moisture content in the air and keeps the humidity levels at the ideal 40% to 50%. A humidifier is essential in your office and home for healthy, hydrated skin.
With higher energy costs during the winter, it is necessary that you take certain steps to reduce expenses. The heavy curtains provide a layer of insulation between you and the cold glass. But be sure to open them up in the morning as the sunlight naturally warms the room, decreasing the dependence on external heat.
Before you turn the heat up, consider what you’re wearing. Get those wool sweaters, long johns, cardigans, and thick socks out of your closets and start using them to stay warm inside your house. Changing lighter bedding to a heavier one provides a thermal surface barrier between you and the cold air outside.
If you are looking to reduce your heating bills, DIY hot packs are the way to go. You could try the rice method by sealing rice in small 8"x10" cloth pockets and microwaving it for 1 to 2 minutes. Rice is known to retain heat very well and can be used at all times. Another method is adding equal parts ice-melt pellets and water into zip-lock bags, and the heat thus produced can warm you for two hours.
Final words
With small changes and DIY, you too can tide over this cold season and reach sweet spring. Keeping yourself healthy, both mentally and physically is crucial. At the same time, being thrifty can help you save hundreds of dollars in heating bills while also effectively keeping you warm and toasty. So don't be lazy and get your handyman hat on and start saving.
