YOU’RE NOT A SNOWMAN So Don’t Feel Frosty
Winter is here, and the cold has settled in. You’ve gotten out your fuzzy slippers and put on an extra sweater, but maybe you still can’t shake that chill. Before you crank up the heat again, is there anything else you can do to keep warm? Here are a few ideas you can try! Use the sun. While winter brings plenty of cloudy days, the sun is still known to make an appearance. When it does, open your curtains wide and let the natural heat fill the room. Just be sure to keep that warmth inside by pulling the curtains closed when the sun goes down. Bonus tip: Park your car facing the sun! It will be warmer when you get in, and you’ll have less snow and ice on your windshield. Stay hydrated (the right way). Did you know that your body is able to retain heat better when you’re hydrated? That’s just one more good reason to ensure you’re drinking enough water. But you should be
warmer and temporarily leave you feeling toasty, caffeine restricts your blood vessels and makes it harder for your body to stay warm. Similarly, alcohol feels warm going down, but it both increases perspiration and lowers your core body temperature. Keep your bed cozy. No one wants to go to sleep shivering, so your bed should ideally be the warmest place in the house. You can achieve this by layering your blankets properly: Fluffy layers go right over the sheet, and dense layers go on top to provide a thermal barrier. To up your game further, get a hot water bottle and leave it under the sheets for 20 minutes before you climb into bed. No hot water bottle available? Spend a couple minutes running a blow-dryer over the sheets instead. With these tips, you’re ready to have your warmest winter ever — without racking up your highest energy bill. Catch some rays, snuggle up, drink some water, and remember that spring will be here soon enough.
wary of hot beverages like coffee and tea. Though they make for a great hand
EXERCISE OF THE MONTH Heel Raise Why: Strong calves are important for many reasons including helping with stair climbing, hiking, cycling, and running. You may not notice how much they help, but when calf muscles get weak or tight, it can lead to injuries like Achilles tendinitis, knee pain, and plantar fasciitis. It can even contribute to back pain! How: Heel raises are best done one leg at a time to maximize benefit; you will also be able to tell if one side is weaker or tighter. Stand near a countertop in case you lose balance. Keep your knee locked straight and raise your heel off the floor as high as you can, then SLOWLY lower it. Repeat 10–15 times and do three sets. Goal: 40–50 in a row without a break! Follow this with a good calf stretch.
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