With crisp cold temperatures in winter, we often longingly wish for the summer with its warm weather back. Because as soon as you step outside the door in the winter months, you start to freeze. But this does not have to be! With a few tips and tricks, you can ensure that you are comfortably warm even in winter. We have compiled the 10 best tips against cold in winter for you.
1. dressing according to the onion principle.
The best way to prevent cold in winter is to wear the right clothes. Here, the onion principle has proven itself since grandma’s time: So do not just put on a thick wool sweater, but better put several layers on top of each other. Ideally, you should wear several thin layers – for example, an undershirt, a T-shirt and a medium-warm sweater. An insulating layer can then form between the individual layers, which ensures that we do not freeze. In addition, the onion principle also offers the advantage that we can better adapt to different temperatures throughout the day. Hot feel-good drinks for the cold season
2. choose natural materials
When buying winter clothes, you should pay special attention to the quality of the products, because not all materials warm equally well. Natural materials such as wool, down or sheepskin are especially recommended. They not only protect us from the cold temperatures in winter, but are usually quite breathable. Thus, they ensure that moisture, but not body heat, is transported to the outside. In contrast, in some synthetic fibers you sweat quickly and thus also freeze more easily: because when the skin is wet, you get cold faster.
3. make hot water bottle
If you are so really frozen through, a warm hot water bottle can help you to heat up again a little. However, never fill the hot water bottle with boiling water, otherwise it can cause burns. As an alternative to the hot water bottle, you can also warm a cherry pit cushion briefly in the oven. If you are cold in the evening, you can also take the hot water bottle to bed with you. It is best to put the hot water bottle then on your feet, because sleep researchers have found that cold feet hinder sleep.
4. massages promote blood circulation.
For those who freeze easily in winter, massages with warming oils are just the thing. Rosemary oil, for example, is particularly beneficial, as it promotes blood circulation in the skin and thus provides pleasant warmth. In addition to rosemary oil, arnica and ginger oil also have a warming effect. For daily use, massages with a sponge or brush are recommended. They also promote blood circulation and thus help against cold. Start on the outside of the right leg and slowly work your way up from the foot to the thigh. Then it is the turn of the inner side. Do the same with the other leg and both arms. Finally, massage the abdomen in a clockwise circular motion.
5. warm foot bath
A warm foot bath is recommended in winter, especially for cold feet. A rising foot bath is particularly beneficial. Start at 35 degrees and gradually warm the water up to 42 degrees. In total, the footbath should last about 15 minutes. Alternating baths, on the other hand, are good for toughening up. To do this, fill one container ankle-deep with 15-degree cold water and another with 35-degree warm water. First put your feet in the warm water for two minutes and then switch to the cold container for 10 to 20 seconds. Repeat the procedure three or four times, then dry the feet and put on thick socks.
6. ginger warms from the inside
If you get cold quickly in winter, fiery spices can warm you back up. Ginger is especially good for this. Just make yourself a cup of hot ginger water when you have a cold attack. The essential oils and pungent substances contained in ginger ensure that you will be pleasantly warm again from the inside. In addition to ginger, spices such as chili, cayenne pepper and cinnamon also heat us up from the inside. Try a hot spice drink: Bring 100 milliliters of water and 250 milliliters of milk with a piece of ginger root to the boil. Then add a quarter teaspoon each of cardamom, turmeric, pepper and cinnamon.
7.Relaxing in the tub.
A warm full bath not only helps against the cold in winter, but also provides plenty of relaxation.You can further enhance the feel-good effect with warming bath additives such as rose or thyme oil. However, make sure that the bath water is not warmer than 38 degrees. Also, do not bathe for too long, otherwise your circulation may be overly stressed. After bathing, it is best to dress thickly and rest on the sofa for at least half an hour.
8. wear cap
If you freeze easily, you should make sure to always have a cap with you in the winter. Because in the face and on the scalp sit particularly many nerve endings, so that one feels the cold particularly clearly. Warming headgear is therefore extremely useful. Also make sure you always have a scarf and warm gloves with you. For those who often have cold fingers, mittens are more suitable than finger gloves.
9. reach for warming foods
In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), a distinction is made between warming and cooling foods. In winter, you should preferably reach for warming foods, as they are supposed to warm you from the inside. These include:
- Soups
- Stews
- Red meat
- Vegetables such as leeks and pumpkin
Cooling foods, on the other hand, you should rather avoid if you are often cold. So hands off citrus fruits, but also dairy products such as yogurt and cottage cheese, and leafy salads.
10. get out into the air
Even if it is often difficult in cold winter weather – pick yourself up and go for a walk in the fresh air. Thanks to exercise, blood circulation is boosted and the feeling of cold quickly subsides. Regularly alternating between cold and warm not only strengthens the immune system, but also makes the body less cold over time. However, when walking, be sure to adjust your clothing to the current weather conditions.
