It’s clear that winters have, as a whole, been getting warmer, but if you’re used to warm weather, even relatively mild winter conditions may be jarring to you. Adapting to the cold isn’t easy, but you now live somewhere that gets below freezing. Now what? Don’t lose hope! You may not know what to do with this sudden shift in weather, but we’re here to help you adjust. Read on to learn all about how to make the best of the winter climate.
Bundle Up
One of the most important things you can do when you move to a colder climate is to learn how to bundle up. When you live somewhere warm, you may never have to think too much about layering your clothing to stay warm beyond adding the occasional sweater or jacket. When you live somewhere that gets cold, that’s no longer the case. Depending on how cold it is, you may need multiple layers for every type of clothing you wear, especially when you go outside, but also sometimes when you’re lounging around the house if you don’t want to turn the heat up every day. For example, you may wear tights under your pants to add an extra layer of warmth. You may wear socks over stockings, or long-sleeve shirts under sweatshirts. Bundling up may feel weird at first, but it can be incredibly cozy and comfortable.
Find the Indoor Heating Sweet Spot
You’re going to have to adjust to using your indoor heating system. Unfortunately, this can get quite expensive. You need to find what works for you, and that will take some trial and error. When you’re feeling chilly at home, it’s best to bundle up first before turning up the heat as long as your home is at a safe temperature. Bundling up, after all, is free and doesn’t waste any energy. If you’re still chilly, find a temperature that you’re comfortable with that doesn’t leave you feeling too hot. Again, this can get expensive, so be careful. If you own your property, you may want to look into solar panels. Believe it or not, there are some snowy solar solutions for people in cold and snowy climates. Solar panels aren’t just for those who live in constant sunshine and warmth! Solar panels will reduce your energy costs so you can keep your home warm and cozy for less.
Learn How to Heat Your Car
If you drive, you may find the cold weather to be particularly upsetting. How are you supposed to hit the road when you feel like an ice pop when you get into your car in the morning? What about the frost on the windows? Learning how to defrost your car is an art form. You’ll want to give yourself extra time before you have to leave your home to sit in your car while it warms up. Take this time to defrost your windows, get rid of any fog on your windows, and remove any snow. If there’s snow and ice outside, give yourself even more time, especially if you’ve never driven in those conditions. Driving in snow and on ice can be difficult and dangerous, so you don’t want to be in a rush.
Stay Active
This one is tough, but it’s best if you stay active even during the colder months. Winter can be tough on your mind and body. Many people find themselves experiencing seasonal affective disorder or seasonal depression due to the lack of light and the cold weather. They may also feel less inclined to move around when it’s cold. Staying active is good for your physical and mental health, so even when it’s tough, try to do something physical at least a few times per week. This could be as simple as taking a walk during the light hours, doing gentle yoga in the morning, or walking on the treadmill. You could also start taking fitness classes or start going to the gym. Don’t let the cold weather cause your body to hibernate!
Learn to Enjoy Winter Activities
Speaking of avoiding hibernation, learn to enjoy winter activities if you live somewhere that offers them. It can be an adjustment if you’re used to warm-weather activities, but if you stay open-minded, you may find yourself having a lot of fun. Try things like snowboarding, skiing, and ice skating. These activities are often available in places that get cold, and you’ll find that many locals already participate. You might also be able to adapt some summer hobbies for colder climates, as long as you take care. For instance, if you keep the grass cut with a battery lawn mower – because who wants to spend hours in the cold doing chores? – then you could still enjoy games like cricket, and frisbee or just playing with your kids or pets. This is also a great way to make new friends when you’re new to an area and looking to socialize, as you can invite people round to join in.
Focus on Warm Meals
Warm and cozy meals will be your best friends when you’re living somewhere cold. Winter is officially soup and stew season. You want meals that are cozy, nutritious, and filling, and those fit the bill. They’re also often easy to assemble. When it’s really cold, anything that can go into the oven for a long time is also a great idea as it will warm up your kitchen while you cook. A nice roast or some sweet baked goods as a post-dinner treat is just right for winter weather.
Remember the Importance of Light
If the cold winter weather also comes with a lack of sunlight, you may want to consider a “happy lamp” to keep you feeling better during the winter. These lights mimic sunlight (without the harmful UV rays). This may help you escape the winter blues. You may also want to ask your doctor about vitamin D. Many people in cold and dark climates are vitamin D deficient because we get it from the sun! A supplement may help you avoid seasonal affective disorder.
Conclusion
You Can Adapt to a Winter Climate. Adapting to a winter climate might not be easy, but you may learn to love it. Find some winter activities you enjoy, stay active, and bundle up. You may find yourself loving the cold before you know it. Keep an open mind about your new home! Are you looking for more helpful articles about all of the top trending topics? Don’t forget to check out the rest of the site.
