Working through the winter
50+ community check-in January 9 - 12, 2023
Many people have difficulties dealing with cold temperatures and less sunshine in winter. Although we cannot stop the winter chill, we can practice safety to better protect ourselves.
Starting the day with sunshine by opening the blinds and windows for example helps to get into a better mood in the morning. Exposure to light in the morning helps keep your body clock aligned with its natural circadian rhythm, keeping you energized throughout the day and regulates the release of the sleep hormone melatonin.
Wearing lots of layers rather than one thick piece of clothing will help to trap your body heat and keep you warmer.
How do you cope with cold temperatures and less sunshine? If you are living in a country with warmer temperatures what would you suggest to someone who has to deal with cold winters?
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Wearing something warm like slippers on my feet. If my feet get cold, the rest of me feels cold.
@Lauren63
Hi Lauren, nice to see you again in the forum.
You have a great point about wearing slippers! I read this about the importance of proper winter footwear "Warmer feet open up the blood vessels and allow better blood flow, moving heat to every other part of the body to boost energy and protect your immune system".
@amiablePeace77
Hi, Peace,
How do you cope with cold temperatures and less sunshine? If you are living in a country with warmer temperatures what would you suggest to someone who has to deal with cold winters?
I tell myself that it is romantic that the sun sets early.
I tell myself that every day after the beginning of winter, the sun stays up a little longer.
I don't like cold weather.
I put the heat on.
I put water in bowls on the heaters, so the water will evaporate and put water vapor in the air. I don't like the air when I get shocked on everything.
@purpleTree4652
Great idea to put water in bowls on the heater. I find when the air gets too dry which can easily happen with heaters it can affect the nasal passages and airways so maintaining the right humidity level throughout your home is a good idea.
I stay indoors a fair bit. I enjoy the fireplace especially during the really cold snaps.
@AffyAvo
Close to the fireplace is a good place to be when cold outside!
How do you cope with cold temperatures and less sunshine? If you are living in a country with warmer temperatures what would you suggest to someone who has to deal with cold winters?
As I'm getting older, I feel the cold a lot more. I've been turning the heat up quite a bit, and that makes my gas bill much higher. I don't have any choice. There are fewer outdoor activities abailable to me, too.
We've had only a little snow this year, so no one's doing anything in terms of sledding or such. Who knows what will happen at any time, though. I never could do those things, anyway.
I stay indoors as much as possible. I try to stay warm.
@WharfRat
I can understand that you try to stay warm and spend more time inside. What I always found nice when I lived in a cold country was to go for a walk when the sun was out, like late morning or even just before lunch time to get some fresh air and energize the body.
@amiablePeace77
When I was younger I could go out for walks in the winter, but now the cold just goes through to my bones, even though I'm overweight.
@amiablePeace77
Hello fellow polar bears, ha, ha! I actually enjoy colder weather because I get to cuddle under a blanket with my cats, have hot chocolate and eat lots of comfort foods. When it's very warm or hot, I don't eat as much and I don't like humidity and heat. I don't like shoveling snow or driving in winter weather, but you have to take the bad with the good. Of course, ice storms are the worst. Last month I called off from work because of a very bad ice storm in my area.
@pineapplepeanut
Cuddling under a blanket with your cats, have hot chocolate and eat lots of comfort food (hopefully healthy one 😋) sounds lovely! I hope the ice storm did not cause too much damage!
@amiablePeace77I
I curl up under blankeez and read a lot. Thinking about picking up a big thick Clancey book to work through this winter.... maybe "The Sum of all Fears." Love the movie - want to see how the book is different.
@EmbStitcher33
Sounds nice, often the books are better than the movies.
@amiablePeace77 Have a flash light, batteries, jumper cables, if you drive, hot drinks, a weather radio, a warm blanket, extra medication just in case you have to leave your home, know where the warming shelters are just in case you have now power, and food that you can eat, that does not have to be cooked.
@calmMango9611
Good idea to be well prepared!
@amiablePeace77
The worst part of cold weather for me is my fingers and toes. I have inherited Raynaud’s from my mother which causes coldness, tingling and sometimes numbness. Not much to do except try to keep them covered whenever possible.
@UberRuminator
Sorry to hear this. Does exercise in general or special exercises for hands and feet help?
Wish I had some tips for this. At my age & with my conditions, cold temperatures don't agree with me...they sometimes make my main chronic condition flare up. Also joint pain, particularly my knees. Was trying to get outside for at least a few minutes a day for the sunlight but now allergy season is beginning. That keeps me indoors a lot, for obvious reasons. I take a vitamin D supplement whenever I don't get outside.
You know more people buy decongestants when pollen is blowing around. If you can afford it, buy some stock in OTC medicine companies. As long as people need decongestants, Nyquil, etc. those companies will keep doing business!
@slowdecline48
Sorry to hear that the cold weather affects your body and makes your chronic condition worse. With age the body becomes more sensitive particularly to cold in my view.
I hope the vitamin D helps. Have you tried to use SAD lamps?
Having a congested nose is awful, it's good to have some things right away available to clear a stuff nose. Have you ever tried to use natural remedies?
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323834#home-remedies
@amiablePeace77 Yes, usually with middling-fair to useless results.
@slowdecline48
Sorry to hear that they did not help but good that you have options and know what helps you!
Grew up in Alaska, so I’m probably not “in the norm” when it comes to cold and dark. But always keep the head covered, and toes and fingers in wool when it’s reallly cold. I love long walks in winter…it’s the hot and humid summers that get to me (and the rest of the polar bears)
@courageousWheel6895
You know how to deal with cold temperatures! I find hot and humid weather is very draining, many people get issues with dizziness, headaches and more. It's really important to stay hydrated.