Some people just don’t like the cold, others like it. Of course it differs per person, but really suffering from the cold is annoying, especially because it can also cause physical problems. By taking a few simple things into account, you can easily ensure that you are less likely to suffer from the cold. Most people know that it helps to put on a warm sweater, but there are a few more little things you can take into account that will make it more pleasant to get through the winter.
Evenly heat your home
It sounds tempting to turn up the heating just a degree when you get cold. This is just not wise for your body heat. It turns out that you can deal better with the cold if you keep the temperature in your home even, so set the thermostat to a fixed temperature for the day and at night. This will help your body get used to that temperature and make it easier for you to deal with it. It is unwise to turn up the heating one hour and then turn it down again. This also causes your perceived temperature to fluctuate.
Layers of clothing
Take the cold into account when putting on clothes. It is wise to wear layers instead of one thick piece of clothing. Your body heats the clothing, the air between the layers of clothing also becomes warmer, so you will feel less cold. When going outside, it is smart to take the cover of your head into account. You lose a lot of heat through your head, so it makes a big difference to wear a hat when it is cold outside. This way you prevent heat loss through your head. Gloves are practical in winter, but mittens ensure that your fingers are less cold, because your hand can keep itself warm. You can also move your fingers inside the mitt, which will keep them warmer. That is why it is wise to wear mittens if you suffer from very cold fingers in winter.
Food and drink
It is unwise to drink cold drinks if you are already suffering from the cold. This will only cool your body even more and you will naturally feel even colder. It can help a lot to eat or drink something warm if you suffer from cold. Especially if you come from outside, a hot cup of tea can do a lot of good. Drinking something from the refrigerator will only increase the feeling of cold.
Movement
It seems obvious, but it is important to think about it for a moment. Keep moving when it’s cold. Your body will become warmer if you keep moving, so it is wise to do so. If you have cold feet, they often become painful on their own. Although it may not seem nice to move your feet, it does ensure that blood circulation improves and your feet will therefore warm up faster. The same goes for your fingers. If you have cold hands, it is wise to move your fingers regularly to prevent stiffness and tingling in your fingers. The movements will warm up your fingers and automatically make them feel better. It is wise to keep moving, especially when you are outside in the cold. Don’t stand still in one place, but keep walking and make sure you keep moving your fingers and toes, because they cool down quickly.
Alcohol
People sometimes get the feeling that alcohol makes them feel warm, but it is still important to keep in mind that alcohol does not actually increase your body temperature. The feeling of warmth is also there, but it may also be that your body is actually colder than you think. It is important to take this into account, especially if you are outside in the cold. By drinking a lot of alcohol you may not realize how cold you are, which could even cause hypothermia, which can be dangerous. So when drinking alcohol in the cold, keep in mind that you keep yourself warm, even if it doesn’t feel like you are cold.
