In west-central Ohio, it seems, the weather is either really hot, or really cold. Although we have all four seasons, it seems we spend most of our time either trying to stay warm or trying to cool off. And whether it be the super short days, the freezing temperatures outside, or a mixture of them both — this time of year people tend to get gloomy inside while the weather stays frigid outside. To battle the cold, the cabin fever, and seasonal depression, we at Huber Heights Heating and Cooling selected the following tips to help you stay warm AND happy this winter.
LAYER UP
In wintertime, there’s no way around it, you have to layer up. Some go as high five or six layers. Stacking on these extra layers is the best way to stay warm, especially if you have to be outside for any extended amount of time. It’s best cause you can always peel back a layer or two if you work up a sweat or get warmed up out there in the cold. Remember to layer up, and layer down. Also, keeping your core warm is expressly vital when temperatures drop below freezing. Try putting on an extra shirt or two under your coat. Try thermals. Try extra socks. Remember a hat, a scarf, and gloves. If you are worried about looking fat, a lot of companies make cold-weather gear that is slim enough to be worn underneath even work clothes.
EMBRACE THE SEASON
Go ice skating. Build a snow fort with the kids. Go skiing or snowboarding. Spice up your life in the winter. Embracing the season and relishing the most wondrous things about this time of year will improve your mood. When you welcome rather than withdraw from what’s around you, your positive thoughts will begin substituting your negative ones– especially when it has to do with the weather. Remember, attitude is everything — especially in the snow. So next time your thoughts start to gravitate toward your cold hands or freezing toes, reframe your thinking on the positive— you have a warm home waiting for you with great HVAC to keep you cozy when it’s time to return inside. Keep in mind, winter doesn’t last forever, and spending some time outside is actually good for your health.
HEALTHY FOODS
Most of us know that eating healthy in the winter is essential to defending yourself against the ills of winter. But has anyone ever suggested that healthy eating practices also speeds up your body’s metabolism? A faster metabolism, in turn, increases body heat. However, if your New Year’s resolution was to drop a few added pounds, don’t worry — you can always pass on the extra calories and strive to eat warmer foods that are nutrient-dense along with healthy beverages. Enjoy some coffee or tea or hot cider. Try spicy foods and soups. Hot chocolate is a seasonal preference. Just remember, watch the fat and sugar.
THE RIGHT TEMPERATURE
Adjusting your thermostat at the right temperature night and day will help prevent your pipes from freezing up and even breaking. While it might be tempting to attempt to circumvent a higher heating bill, you could be guarding yourself against pricey repairs from frozen or busted pipes. A great solution for this HVAC issue is to have a programmable thermostat installed. If you opt not to get one, keep in mind that if you are going to be gone from home for an extended period of time, don’t set the temp below 55 degrees. It’ll just cost you more.
KEEP A MOVIN’
Anyone who’s had to work in the cold knows. It’s easier to stay warm than it is to get warm. This time of year, we have all sorts of excuses to refrain from getting a workout in or going to the gym, especially in inclement weather. We say embrace those brighter, brisk times, even if it’s just for a walk. You’ll find some daily tasks, like shoveling the snow, can help keep you in tip-top shape. Just make sure you don’t overwork yourself. And if the stroll to the gym in the cold is a real roadblock, take a tip from those who train at home. It is a great way to exercise your muscles and get your blood flowing without leaving the house. It’ll keep you warmer and happier.
PURPOSE DRIVEN SMILES
Whether you get connected with a project at your school, you find a good community-based event needing a hand, or your church has some sort of project, it gives you a feeling of personal purpose to partake in projects with others. This sort of personal responsibility to others and joining in something bigger than oneself is a central value to life, experts say. When you find a purpose in your life, the cold weather becomes a distant minor obstacle.
A SPECIAL SPACE
Everyone needs is a special cubbyhole where they can go to be comfortable and alone. Call it a “man cave” or a “she shed” but it roughly translates to a niche or the place you snuggle up with a quilt, a cup of tea, and a good book. Make your cozy spot especially precious by decorating it with components of nature, like leaves and twigs or flowers.
DIET, SLEEP, DETOX
The only thing better than beating a cold or the flu is not getting it in the first place Some experts credit their supercharged immune system to drinking loads of water and always getting a regular night’s rest. In addition to that, keeping your body free of toxins will do wonders. Every person is responsible for their own nutritious cleansing routines. Foods high in fiber, all-natural, nutrient-dense, and low on fats will go a long way in keeping your system clean. Remember, small, well-rounded meals planned throughout the day will take you and your health a long way as well. Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains high in fiber are ideal. In all this, we want to emphasize that each individual is responsible for their own joy, just as well as we are responsible for keeping ourselves warm and safe this winter. Just remember, the new year, another spring and summer is not far away. None of us would appreciate the beauty of those times without embracing the frigid days of now.
For more information, or for a tune-up, call Huber Heights Heating & Cooling today at 937-226-9675, or schedule an appointment now at www.huberheightsheatingandcooling.com/schedule-now/.
