Surviving the Winter
Feel that chill in the air? Old Man Winter is here to stay. Get through these colder months with these hot hints.
Turn Off the Faucet
Are your pipes about to burst?! If you haven’t already done so, make sure your outdoor faucets are turned off. A mixture of cold temperatures, wind speed and direction, the age of your pipes and the density of your shrubs all play a factor in how your pipes will hold up during the winter. Even if they don’t explode, freezing puts stress upon them, which will weaken your pipes over time. Instead of wondering and worrying, play it safe and turn off your faucets.
What to do during the winter when you’ve got dry, unmanageable hair – not to mention hat head?! Go natural. For brittle hair, create a moisturizing conditioner by applying a mashed avocado onto damp, clean hair. Then, cover your head with plastic wrap, heat with a blow dryer, and leave on for 20 minutes before rinsing. Visit our link for more hair helpers.
If you’ve been feeling a bit blue, you may be experiencing SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder). According to nmha.org, as the seasons change, there is a shift in our circadian rhythm (biological internal clock), which is affected by sunlight patterns. In some cases, our biological clock will get out of sync with our daily schedules, creating blue moods. Try to take a walk outdoors each day to soak up the sun. Or, invest in a light box that provides a measured amount of balanced spectrum light, which will help regulate your body clock.
Got the sniffles? Don’t just blame it on the common cold – you could have allergies. According to healthandenergy.com, frequent upper respiratory infections may be a sign of an undiagnosed allergy. If you’re allergic to dust, mold and mites, the winter season can be the hardest. Windows are sealed shut and the furnace is on, stirring up dust around your living space. Before you reach for any medicine, first change your environment and give your home a good cleaning. Our link will help you breathe a little easier.
Your head’s congested, your nose is running and your body is aching. When you don’t feel so well (and you’ve ruled out any allergies), it’s time to nurse yourself back to health. One of the best things to reach for is chicken soup. According to njc.org, this old folk remedy rehydrates the body with important salts and minerals, as it reduces inflammation associated with colds. And, take time to rest. Your body is telling you to slow down, so be sure to expend less energy on daily activities when you’re fighting an infection. To brew your own pot of homemade chicken soup, visit our link.
Keep colds and the flu at bay by strengthening your immune system during the winter. Since immunity is connected to digestion, what you eat is extremely important in keeping you healthy. According to pioneerthinking.com, eat foods that are fresh and wholesome, such as organic milk and yogurt, vegetables, fruits, whole grains and ghee (clarified butter). Avoid foods that are commercially processed (canned, frozen or packaged) since they tend to burden the digestive system and clog the channels of circulation, creating a sluggish, compromised immune system. Visit our link for more tips.
It’s cold and wet outside, but your skin feels as dry as the Sahara Desert. Mothernature.com says that dryness is due to a lack of water, not oil, in your skin. The best way to bring back moisture is by soaking in lukewarm (not hot!) water for 15 minutes. Then, don’t dry off completely. Moisturizing damp skin will seal in the water. And, try to keep your thermostat at a lower level. If it’s too hot in your house, blood vessels with dilate, causing that dry, itchy feeling.
Keep your feline or pooch protected from the cold. Don’t leave them outside for long periods of time since they can be susceptible to frostbite. Comportone.com says to check for ice between their toes when they come inside since it can cut them. If you antifreeze your car, be sure to clean up any spills. It can burn their feet and is very dangerous if ingested (animals will gravitate towards it’s sweet taste). And, since our pets need more to eat in the winter to help maintain their body temperature, buy quality food. The nutrients will help keep them strong.
Treat your car with care, and getting through these winter months should be an easy ride. Popularmechanics.com recommends changing to snow tires if you live in a heavy snow area so you’ll have good tread depth when driving on those icy roads. And, keep a kit of essentials packed in your trunk in case you end up stuck in the snow. Include flares, a flashlight, a folding camp shovel, a blanket and some kitty litter to be used for traction. Our link will get you on the road to safety.
As the temperatures go down and the thermostat is turned up, make sure your home is winterized. Change the filter on your furnace every month during the cold season. Replace any cracks in the foundation or near windows with heavy caulk - this prevents cold air from sneaking into your home, thus keeping your energy costs down. And, since there may be more fires burning indoors, make sure your fire detectors have fresh batteries. For more ideas, visit our link.
