There are very few people who can genuinely say, with no clauses attached, that they love the cold weather. Sure, building a snowman seems like the most exciting activity since sandcastles, but it’s all fun and games until you catch frostbite. If you thought that was the worst of it, you probably never had to lounge in your apartment fully clothed in thermal underwear, two sweaters, and two woolen coats. Big city residents can bear me witness; the only thing worse than being in the cold is, living in the cold because the heating system in your old brownstone is faulty. If you’re more likely to choose heated saunas over a camping trip to Alaska, check out our top 6 ways to survive the cold weather.
Get Thermal Underwear
There is underwear and there is UNDERWEAR! Believe us when we tell you that, your flimsy cotton briefs just won’t cut it when it comes to boycotting this cold. Yes, it pays to be sexy, but all that jazz will be thrown out the window once your folly subjects you to a weekend of chicken soup and cough syrup. I got this fleece lined thermal underwear from Amazon a year ago and it definitely made the world of difference. If you’re looking for something pricier, Uniqlo’s
Use Shea Butter Or Vaseline
Shea Butter and Vaseline have a thicker consistency that allows them to provide the heated outer coating your skin’s needs during the cold. Personally, I’ve come to realize that my regular lotion is flimsy and merely a ceremonial application during this period. The use of shea butter and/or petroleum jelly as a substitute for regular lotion during is more appealing in the colder months because it kills two birds with one stone.
- It increases body heat
- It p
rovides an outer shine that is the cure to winter ashiness.
Look Out For Drafts In Your Home
During the colder months, I realized that my home was not retaining as much heat as it was receiving. It would warm up slowly, only when the heater came on, and freeze up like two minutes right after. One night I decided I had had enough so, I started feeling around the walls for drafts. Lo and behold, there was a huge crack between the walls that was letting in the heaviest rush of air I had ever felt. Finding and plugging drafts is one of the functional ways to survive the cold weather. If you find that your home does not retain heat or that you’re unreasonable cold indoors, try feeling around the walls, windows, and doors for a draft. An easy way to do this is to place a candle or lighter in front of the suspected area. If the flame blows sideways, you definitely have a draft.
Invest In Insulated Curtains
Another effective way to survive the cold weather is by investing in insulated curtains. It may seem like a drastic measure, but this step helps, in the long run, to keep you warm and reduce the cost of heating by minimizing the amount of warm air going out the window. You’ll be amazed at how much heat they manage to trap during the day for a cozy night’s sleep. You can find them on Amazon here for as low as $19.95.
Wear More Layers
It seems like common sense, but honestly, one of the best ways to survive in colder climates like New York and New Zealand is to wear more layers. While I recommend getting rugged up when you go out, I also suggest keeping the layers on even when you are home, too. This means you won’t have to use your heater as much and put the heating bill through the roof.
Bake More
This may seem like a funny suggestion, but it works. Having your oven on a lot more is going to help you keep the whole apartment warm for much longer. Plus, it’s an excellent chance for you to explore that baking hobby you didn’t think you had time for. If you manage to rack up something tasty, add a cup of hot ginger tea to complete your meal. That should keep your insides toasty for a considerable amount of time.
It’s not easy staying warm in the wintertime, however, there are some great ways to survive the cold weather. From insulating your apartment to wearing more layers and even exploring your baking skills, you’ll find yourself more equipped for the next one with these helpful hints.
Has any of these worked for you in the past? Are you looking forward to trying any more? Let us know in the comment section.
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