Across the United States, the year’s coldest temperatures come during January and February, according to the Weather Channel.
And with winter storms and icy walkways, any venture outdoors can quickly become difficult. It’s important to be prepared no matter what the weather brings. Here are some top tips to stay warm inside and out this winter.
Bundle up: By dressing in layers and investing in good outerwear, you can stay warm no matter the temperature. Start by putting on a base layer, like a pair of wool leggings or a long-sleeved polyester T-shirt. Next, put on a middle layer to help you retain body heat, like an insulated jacket or another polyester fleece. Finally, top it off with a thick, water-resistant coat for your top layer. This will protect you from any incoming rain, snow or wind. For additional warmth, add a hat or a pair of gloves, and you’re ready for to go out in the winter weather.
Be smart about heating your home: Did you know that by turning your ceiling fan clockwise, warm air circulates through an updraft? Also, make sure your windows and doors are properly insulated. If necessary, you can use towels or plastic wrap as a quick fix. And a classic electric blanket or space heater can add some additional warmth to your room — just be safe while using them. Turn them completely off when you are done using them, and don’t use them around open water.
Warm yourself from the inside out: Certain foods can either help or hinder your overall body heat. When you eat foods that are high in healthy fats, proteins and carbohydrates, your body works harder to digest them. This leads to an increase in your body temperature through a process called thermogenesis. Just like how your body heats up after a hard workout, thermogenesis causes an increase in body temperature the longer it takes to digest food. Along with this, avoid foods that can lower your body temperature, such as those that have a high water content.
Exercise at home and/or outside: Moving your body during the winter can be a great way to increase your body temperature. Commit to doing some quick exercises before you leave the house for the day. You don’t need a complicated workout routine, or even any equipment, to get your body moving. Pilates and bodyweight exercises can be a great way to warm yourself up before a cold day. The same is true for exercising outside — getting in a quick jog before class could help warm you warm up during the cold winter days.
Be intentional about your winter season: For some, even after bundling up and getting warm, winter can still be difficult to get through. It’s no myth that dreary weather days can contribute to increased feelings of sadness, or even Seasonal Affective Disorder, a type of depression usually occurring during fall and winter. For all serious mental health issues, please consult a doctor. But if you’ve caught the Winter Blues, some psychologists suggest positive lifestyle changes to help you get through the season. Kari Leibowitz, a health psychologist, spent a year living in Tromsø, Norway, a city in the Arctic Circle, as a Fulbright scholar. Part of her research during this time studied the behaviors of the city’s residents, including how they remained joyful during the dark, cold winter months. She discovered that those who embraced the season by changing their routine and mindset generally found more joy. They did this by slowing down, practicing “slow hobbies” like cooking and baking, and more. By remaining positive about the season and seeing it as a time to reflect, they were happier and had an easier time getting through the winter.
