888.630.9224When the first cold day arrives, it’s easy to have a mini panic attack. Has the house been winterized, are the sweaters and extra blankets unpacked, is the tea kettle ready? Even though most people want to turn the air conditioner off and the furnace on, there are ways to stay warm without immediately turning to an expensive heat source.
Dress in Layers
Long sleeve shirts have many benefits. Not only do they keep your arms and torso warm, they also fit easily under sweatshirts, which is important to remember to ensure you won’t end up looking like the kid from A Christmas Story. Keep in mind that your legs can use layers as well. Long socks, leggings, tights, and insulated socks are all great ways to keep warm.
Eat Warm Foods, Drink Warm Beverages
When we’re sick, we’re told to drink lots of fluids. Hot tea, gingerale, and soups are just some of the comfort foods we eat when battling illness. However stews, soups, chilis’, and casseroles will warm your body from the inside out. Just start the slow cooker in the morning and when you arrive home you’ll have a delicious, warm dinner. Before going to bed, enjoy a cup of hot tea or hot chocolate.
Get Exercise
The warm glow that everyone talks about feeling after a good workout isn’t a myth. Even though it’s winter and it’s cold, stay active. Bundle up and go for a walk, try sledding or ice skating, even winter chores like shoveling snow can get the heart racing and the blood pumping.
Close off unused rooms
Many reports have claimed that closing off rooms that aren’t regularly used can help save on heating costs, and keep other rooms of the home warmer. They are all true! By closing doors or hanging blankets, you’ll actually see a difference in temperature from the closed off room and the rest of the house. Even though heat is still flowing through your home, it will remain in the areas that you use most.
Give your body time to adapt
Our bodies are designed to adapt. The cold weather isn’t always bearable, but after some time, they will adjust to the cooler temperatures. Getting enough sunshine, water, vitamins, and social activity is crucial to keeping yourself comfortable through the cold months.
Once upon a time, people survived brutal winters without the benefit of a thermostat. So follow these recommendations and you’ll find yourself enjoying a happy and efficient winter season.
