5 Tips for Beating the Winter Freeze

By Francine Fluetsch on January 25, 2017

This article is brought to you by Kaplan, the leader in test prep for over 90 standardized tests, including the GRE, GMAT, LSAT, and MCAT.

Baby, it’s cold outside! Whether you are bracing the “winter” like I am in California or fighting the cold brought on by snowstorms in New York, we can all agree that the winter gets old after a while, especially the whole “I’m so cold that I can’t feel my nose” aspect.

In order to help keep your spirits high for the rest of the winter, here are some tools and tips for beating the winter freeze!

1) Coffee

Coffee sure does warm you from the inside out, putting it at the top of our list for beating the cold. Whether you settle for a nice cup at home while you snuggle under your blankets or opt to go out with some friends to a local coffee shop, coffee (or tea) is a great way to keep the cold at bay. Winter just isn’t complete without you holding your coffee mug and smiling for an Insta pic.

Even if you aren’t a coffee person, keep in mind that warm fluids are good for your body, so opting to heat up some lemon water before hitting the road can keep you warm and healthy too!

2) Layers

Try to make layering up for winter weather more fun for yourself this year! Treat yourself and go shopping for some scarves, hats, and a few pea coats that can go with a lot of your outfits. I like to opt for things that are versatile (like dark colors) and that are easy to get in and out of so it’s not a chore just to run to the grocery store.

Layers are a fun way to diversify your outfits and make it look like you have more clothes than you actually do. Pair the same top and jeans with different scarves and hats to keep people guessing and let you have some fun with your style.

Don’t forget about one of the most important layers: socks! I used to dislike buying socks because I felt like no one could even see them, but now with stylish boot socks, I’ve had multiple people compliment my socks. And guys, this one isn’t just for the ladies. You can have fun sprucing up your layers too in the same ways!

stocksnap.io

3) Mood lighting

Candles help set a cozy mood, which always helps combat the cold. During the winter, filling your place with nicely scented candles will make you feel warm and cozy when you are snuggled up after a long day.

You can also opt for little tea lights to hang over your bed or in your living room to give a warm, soft glow that will make you forget how cold and ugly it is outside.

Pair this lighting with some fuzzy blankets and you are all set!

4) More prep time

Mornings are a lot harder when it’s cold, so give yourself a bit more time so you don’t feel as rushed, and get as much ready as you can the night before. You know turning off the shower is harder when it’s freezing, so have a little heater hot and waiting for you as you towel off. Give yourself more time to also just sit in your car and let it warm up and defrost so you aren’t running late due to not being able to see out of your windshield. I sometimes sit in my car with my fuzzy robe still on so I’m not shivering while I wait for the heater to warm the car; it’s a great tactic, just remember to take the robe off before you get out and head to work!

I also mentioned planning as much as you can the night before, since adding these extra time frames means you have to get up earlier. Things you can get ready the night before: the outfit you want to wear, your lunch for work, your coffee machine all set up and ready to go with your coffee mug already under it, and knowing what you are going to eat for breakfast. Even just mentally preparing for your morning will help it go a bit more smoothly as you are sleepy-eyed, freezing, and frazzled.

5) PJ’s all day

When the cold sets in, why bother getting dressed at all? Bad weather means more leeway with wearing your PJ’s around the house all day and even wearing them out in public, so take advantage of it. People will see that you are trying to stay warm and comfy and will probably be jealous of your outfit choice. This is especially seen in college lecture halls, where some students even take it so far as bringing a blanket to class to beat the cold.

These are just a few ideas to help you beat the freeze this winter. Stay warm out there!

Learn more about Kaplan’s test prep options and start building the confidence you need for Test Day.

Follow Uloop

Apply to Write for Uloop News

Join the Uloop News Team

Discuss This Article

Get Top Stories Delivered Weekly

Back to Top

Log In

Contact Us

Upload An Image

Please select an image to upload
Note: must be in .png, .gif or .jpg format
OR
Provide URL where image can be downloaded
Note: must be in .png, .gif or .jpg format

By clicking this button,
you agree to the terms of use

By clicking "Create Alert" I agree to the Uloop Terms of Use.

Image not available.

Add a Photo

Please select a photo to upload
Note: must be in .png, .gif or .jpg format