5 Tips for Staying Warm in the Winter

In many parts of the country, winter brings freezing temperatures, cold rain and blankets of snow. Whether it’s work or running errands, you’ll probably have to go outside at some point in your day. If you just take a bit more time to prepare for the cold every day, it’s easy to stay toasty. Try these tips:

1. Layer up
   Multiple layers keep you warmer than one heavy coat. The bottom layer should be thin and able to absorb moisture. Your second layer should be something insulating like down or wool. For a third layer, wear something wind-resistant to keep the heat inside.


2. Pick the right footwear
   Keeping your feet warm plays a big part in how warm your whole body feels. Thick wool socks allow your feet to stay significantly warmer than normal cotton socks and naturally absorb sweat. Be sure to invest in a good pair of winter boots, too. Some boots are water resistant and only partially repel water, while others can be submerged in water and stay dry. Wet feet lose heat 25 times faster than dry feet.


3. Get plenty of iron and vitamin B12
   These nutrients increase the amount of oxygen-carrying red blood cells in your body—lower levels may cause you to feel colder than usual. Iron can be found in poultry, pork, seafood, chickpeas and green-leaf vegetables. Vitamin B12 is commonly found in chicken, eggs and fish.


4. Don’t skip meals
   Your body depends on calories to stay warm when it’s cold out. Try to eat regular, balanced meals with unprocessed foods that include plenty of fruits and vegetables. Hot meals also provide some additional warmth.


5. Stick with the workouts
   It’s tempting to escape the cold by cozying up on the sofa but staying active can raise your body temperature temporarily and improve your blood circulation. Stay active without going outside by joining a gym or doing exercises at home.

If you’re looking to stay active even through the colder months, make sure you also take the Blue Health Assessment. In just 10 minutes, you can receive a personalized action plan to get healthy by answering a few simple questions. Eligible members may even receive $50 for completing the assessment.