Winter is quickly approaching, and it’s time to batten down the hatches and prepare for colder weather. This can be a difficult season for many people, as the weather extremes can cause all sorts of problems. From dangerous conditions that can lead to slips and falls, to dealing with the stress of being cooped up indoors – winter can be a challenging time. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! In this article, we will share 20 tips and hacks to help you survive winter safely and comfortably.
Winter Survival Tips and Hacks
1. Get your home ready for winter weather. This means making sure that your gutters are clear, your windows and doors are properly sealed, and that you have a plan for dealing with snow and ice. Read more on getting ready for a Pennsylvania winter.
2. Invest in a good pair of boots. This is important for both safety and comfort. Make sure to get a pair that is waterproof and insulated, so you can keep your feet warm and dry no matter what the weather conditions are like outside.
3. Layer up! When it’s cold outside, it’s important to dress in layers so you can adjust your clothing as needed throughout the day. Wear a base layer of thermal underwear, followed by a layer of wool or fleece, and then top it off with a coat or jacket.
4. Stay hydrated. It’s easy to get dehydrated in the winter, since the air is much drier. Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day, and consider using a humidifier in your home to help keep the air moist.
5. Avoid caffeine and alcohol. When winter comes, we all want to curl up with a hot drink to keep warm. But while caffeine and alcohol might seem like they would do the trick, they can actually make you feel colder. Caffeine makes blood vessels contract, which can lead to a drop in body temperature. Alcohol, on the other hand, dilates blood vessels and causes sweating, both of which can make you feel chilled.
6. Eat warming foods. During the winter months, your body burns more calories as it works to keep you warm. As a result, you may find yourself feeling hungrier than usual. To make sure you’re getting the nutrients you need to stay energized, focus on eating foods that are high in fat and protein. Stews, soups, and chili are all great options. Not only will they help to keep you warm, but they’ll also help to fill you up.
7. Get some sun. It might not seem like it, but getting some sun exposure can actually help to improve your mood and fight off winter blues. Make sure to get outside for at least a few minutes each day, even if it’s just to walk around the block.
8. Exercise regularly. Getting your heart rate up will help to keep you warm, so make sure to stay active during the winter months. Take up a new hobby that gets you moving, such as skiing or snowboarding, or go for regular walks or runs outdoors.
9. Limit time spent in front of screens. It’s wintertime, and that means shorter days and longer nights. For many of us, this also means spending more time indoors looking at screens. Whether we’re working on our computers or relaxing with our phones, too much time spent looking at screens can actually make us feel more tired and stressed. That’s why it’s important to take breaks throughout the day to unplug electronics.
10. Create a cozy indoor space. Since you’ll be spending more time indoors during the winter, make sure to create a space that is comfortable and inviting. Add some cozy blankets and pillows to your sofa, and light some candles to make your home feel warm and welcoming.
11. Make time for relaxation. With the hectic holiday season upon us, it’s more important than ever to make time for relaxation. Take a few moments each day to do something that you enjoy, such as reading, taking a bath, or listening to music.
12. Connect with friends and loved ones. Spending time with those you care about can help to improve your mood and fight off feelings of loneliness or isolation. Make plans to get together with friends or family members on a regular basis, even if it’s just for a quick cup of coffee or a walk around the block.
13. Volunteer your time. Helping others is a great way to make yourself feel good, and it can also help to take your mind off of your own problems. Consider volunteering at a local soup kitchen or charity, or look for other ways to give back in your community.
14. Get enough sleep. As winter sets in, it can be hard to get enough sleep. The days are shorter and the nights are colder, making it difficult to wind down and get the rest you need. However, it’s important to get 7-8 hours of sleep each night, so make sure to create a bedtime routine that will help you relax and get the rest you need.
15. Practice mindfulness. Mindfulness is all about being present in the moment and focusing on your breath. This can help to reduce stress and anxiety, and it’s also a great way to clear your mind before bedtime.
16. Use energy from the Sun. Winter days are shorter, so it’s important to make the most of the available daylight. During the day, open drapes and blinds to allow sunlight to help warm the house. Then close them at night to help hold in the heat.
17. Keep a bag of kitty litter in your trunk. If your car gets stuck in the snow there’s no need to panic. Simply sprinkling some kitty litter at the base of your tires can provide the extra traction you need to get things moving again. Plus, the added weight in your trunk will also create greater pressure on your tires, increasing their contact with the ground.
18. Use a fertilizer spreader. While it is possible to scatter sand by hand, using a fertilizer spreader is a more efficient way to cover a larger area. Fertilizer spreaders can be adjusted to release the desired amount of sand, and they have wheels that make it easy to push them across a surface.
19. Don’t let food spoil in the fridge. As winter storms can knock out power, it’s important to be prepared so that food doesn’t spoil. If the power is out for more than 24 hours, pack perishable food into coolers and move it outdoors to keep it cold. If it’s 30 degrees Fahrenheit or colder outside, the food will stay safe. And if you need to cook anything that won’t last, the charcoal grill is a great option.
20. Keep duct tape in your car. Most people are familiar with the many uses of duct tape, but few realize that it can also be used as a fire starter. To use duct tape as a fire starter, simply rip off a strip and twist it into a rope. Then, create a nest of tinder and place the rope on top. With a little help from a lighter or match, you should have no trouble getting a fire going. So next time you’re packing your winter survival kit, don’t forget to include a roll of duct tape.
Beat the Cold
Winter can be a tough season, but with the right tips and hacks, it doesn’t have to be. We hope that our winter survival guide gave you some useful information to help make this season a little bit easier. If you found this helpful, please share it with your friends on social media and consider signing up for our free newsletter so you can stay up-to-date on all of our latest news and information. Thanks for reading!
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This article is intended for informational, entertainment or educational purposes only and should not be construed as advice, guidance or counsel. It is provided without warranty of any kind.