In Greene County, it seems the weather is either scorching hot or frigid cold. There doesn’t appear to be a lot of time in between. And whether it be the shorter days, the freezing climate, or a mixture of them both — this time of year, it’s not uncommon to get gloomy inside while it gets severely cold outdoors. We at Beavercreek Heating and Cooling say defy them both. To fight the cold, the cabin fever, and a critical case of the blues, we collected the following suggestions to help you stay warm and cheerful this winter.
DRESS IN LAYERS
During winter, it’s imperative to learn to layer up. Some use as many as five or six layers. Piling on a few additional layers like this is an excellent way to stay warm, especially if you have to spend time outdoors. If you end up getting too warm out there in the cold, you can strip off a layer at a time. Maintaining a warm core is especially important when temperatures plummet below freezing. Remember to wear an extra shirt or two beneath your jacket or coat. Wear thermals, extra socks, gloves, and hats. If you are worried about looking bulky, a lot of sporting goods companies make cold-weather apparel that is thin enough to be worn even beneath even work clothes.
WELCOME THE SEASON
Spice your life up with sledding. Build a snowman. Go ice skating. Embrace the season! Embracing the chance to enjoy the many wondrous things about this time of year should boost your spirits. When you welcome rather than dread what’s around you, your positive feelings will begin substituting your negative ones– especially when it has to do with the cold. It goes a long way in staying warm. Perspective is everything — even in the snow. So next time your thoughts start to gravitate toward your cold hands or freezing feet, reframe your thinking with the positive— you have a warm home waiting for you with great HVAC. It’s the holidays! It’s only once a year. Recognize that winter won’t last forever, and enjoying some time outside is great for your well-being.
HEALTHY FOODS
A lot of us know a healthy diet in the winter is crucial to protecting yourself against winter infirmities. However, has anyone ever told you that good eating practices also revs up your body’s metabolism? This, in turn, boosts body heat. Now, if your New Year’s resolution is to drop a few pounds, don’t worry — you can still abstain from the excess fat and strive to eat warmer foods that are nutrient-rich alongside healthy drinks. Relish some coffee or tea. Attempt spicy foods and soups. Hot cocoa is a seasonal preference. Just remember, go easy on the sugar.
THE RIGHT TEMPERATURE
Setting your thermostat at the right temperature night and day will help stop your pipes from freezing up and busting. Although it may be a way to try to save on your energy bills, keeping the right temp will save you from costly repairs from frozen or broken pipes. Installing a programmable thermostat is an excellent solution for this HVAC issue. If you don’t get one, just keep in mind, you don’t want to lower the temp below 55 degrees. It isn’t worth it.
KEEP MOVING
A wise man once said that it’s easier to remain warm than it is to get warm. And if you’ve ever woken up cold in the night, you know it’s true. This time of year, people come up with all kinds of reasons to avoid getting a workout in or going to the gym, particularly in inclement weather. Nevertheless, we say take advantage of those gorgeous, brisk days, even if it’s just walking. You’ll find there are some daily responsibilities, like shoveling the snow, that can help get you in tip-top shape. Just make sure you don’t overwork yourself. And if the walk to the gym in the cold is the actual barrier, follow those who develop a regimen that you can incorporate from home. It’s an excellent way to move your muscles and bones and enhance blood flow without braving out into the cold. Get that heart pumping. It’ll keep you warmer and radiant.
BEWARE OF HYPOTHERMIA
Prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures can create hypothermia. When your body temperature gets too low, it can harm the brain, which causes hypothermia to be particularly dangerous because the sufferer may not know it is happening. Hypothermia is most likely at freezing temperatures, but it can occur even at temperatures (above 40°F) if a person becomes cold from the rain, sweat, or submersion in cold water.
PURPOSE DRIVEN SMILES
Whether you get connected via a project in your school, a community-based performance, or a more prominent organization of some sort, involvement gives us a feeling of personal purpose. It’s great to partake in projects. This sort of personal responsibility to others and engaging in something greater than oneself lends significant value to life, experts say. When you find a purpose in your life, the cold weather becomes a far-off trivial obstacle.
A SPECIAL SPACE
The one thing every home needs is a personal cubbyhole where you can go to be comfortable and secluded. This is a place you snuggle up with a quilt, a cup of tea, and a good novel. Make your cozy spot exceptionally precious by enriching it with elements of nature, like leaves and twigs.
MORE ON HEALTH AND DIET
The one thing better than recovering from a cold or the flu is not getting it in the first place. Some people credit their strong immune systems to drinking tons of water, and always getting a proper night’s rest every night. While that is crucial, keeping your body clear of toxins will also take you a long way, We’re not implying you ought to drink only lemonade for seven days straight or consume gallons of water while eating only fruit. However, every person is responsible for their own individual nutritious cleansing methods. Foods that are high in fiber and are natural and nutrient-rich while low on fats help you keep your system clean. Also, keep in mind that 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 need to stress that each person is responsible for their own happiness, just as well as we should keep ourselves warm and safe this winter. Just remember, the new year, another spring and summer is not far away. Few of us would truly appreciate the beauty of those wonderful warm times without embracing the frigid days of now. For more information, or for a tune-up, call Beavercreek Heating & Cooling at 937-708-8527 or schedule an appointment now online at www.beavercreekheatingandcooling.com/schedule-now/.
