The nights are starting to be freezing and when the sun shines, it isn't really warm and boy, can it rain in certain parts of the country!
So what can you do to avoid getting the winter blues?
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Don't get cabin fever.Spending all your time indoors may make you start pacing the floor like a jaguar in a zoo cage. Even if it's cold, dress warmly and go for a run or a walk in the bracing breeze – it'll get the circulation going and put paid to that bout of cabin fever that was just starting.
Avoid the flu. Stay away from those who have the flu. This may not always be possible, so stock up on the vitamins and look after yourself.
Wear a hat if your feet are cold. This does sound a bit crazy, I know – like eating a slice of chocolate cake when you're really thirsty. But, trust me, it works. You lose an enormous amount of body heat through your head – if you put on a hat, that won't happen and the blood will flow back into your frozen feet. Try it, if you don't believe me.
Snuggle up to a fire. That's if you have a fireplace in your home. There's nothing quite like it – the crackling of a real fire not only creates atmosphere, it also really does heat up a room. Heaters, of course also do that – minus the atmosphere. The most effective heaters that warm up a large area quickly, are fan heaters, because they circulate the air, rather than only warm up the air in the immediate vicinity. Be careful of bar heaters – they can be dangerous. My cat snuggled up to one and got a very interesting-looking Mohican hairstyle on his flank.
Enjoy winter foods.There's nothing quite like soup and sticky toffee pudding - not mixed!- to brighten up any winter's day. Never underestimate the delight of a real plate of wintry food – roast chicken and potatoes and cauliflower with cheese sauce.
Rediscover books. Right, there is a lot of fun to be had from books. On a really cold winter's day there's nothing quite like a delightful book in which to lose yourself. And yes, you have to be in bed.
Don't get cold feet. Invest in a really thick pair of socks – the type that sporting shops sell. Socks that you could use on your climbing trip in the Drakensberg. Or that you could simply wear when you're watching TV and it's minus one degree outside.
Do the hot beverage thing. Tea, coffee, Milo, take your pick. Not only are they real pick-me-ups, they also warm your insides as well as your hands.
Button up. Invest in one really thick jacket, coat or jersey. You'll be grateful when the winter gets really cold. Just take care not to leave it lying somewhere, if you've taken it off indoors.
Bath rather than shower. Ten minutes in a warm bath and you'll no longer feel as if you're going to get frostbite. A shower cleans you, but doesn't warm you up to the same extent.
Let the cat sleep on your bed. Just make sure kitty is flea- and parasite-free, otherwise you could get more than you bargained for. But, a cat on your feet is more efficient than a hot water bottle that loses heat through the night.
Get some woollen gloves. Warm hands, warm heart, the saying goes. A pair of woollen gloves will not cost an arm and a leg, but will go a long way towards making the winter a lot more tolerable.
Rediscover videos. If it is too cold for outdoor activities, snuggle up under a duvet and watch some videos. And patiently wait for summer.
Snuggle up to a friend. Nothing is quite as warm as another person – snuggle up, but not too closely. And don't choose someone who might have ulterior motives!
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