IT’S COLD OUT, WHAT ARE YOU GONNA DO?
It’s cold out there. Too cold to think. It’s too cold to breathe. Too cold to be happy because there is nowhere to go and nothing to do when it’s this cold if you don’t have snow pants and long john’s, dammit. So, you’ve got to trick your mind and your body into thinking it is not cold. Here are some pointers that will help you think it’s warm when it’s actually frigging cold out there. And in here, too! Man, it’s cold everywhere. Consider meditating to keep yourself toasty. Layering fast drying clothing is also key to a happier and less depressing winter, in these cold temperatures.
BREATHE IN AND BREATHE OUT
Use meditation techniques. The most basic is to focus on your breath. Think and visualize your breath inhaling and then exhaling. Do this for a little while. If this is too flaky for you, then put a little more structure around thinking of your breath. Simply count your inhalations and exhalations from one to ten. It looks a little like this: inhale one, exhale one, inhale two, exhale two, inhale three, exhale three, inhale four, exhale four… You get the idea – breathe. Studies say that “vase breathing”, especially helps to regulate your core body temperature. On your exhale, you want to contract your abs and pelvic muscles. Your belly should look like a vase or a pot. Other experts suggest visualizing a lit flame on your spinal cord. That should keep you toasty!
Read More:
New Yorkers, Quit Complaining — Antarctica Sets New Record For Cold Temps
DEPRESSING TEMPERATURES ARE FOR LAYERS
Another good way to survive these depressing temperatures is to layer up. Invest in merino wool – which is fast drying. Or some special synthetic blends for runners. They are made to wick and dry quickly. Layer yourself in these clothes in order for you to add or take what you need off. Breathe in the cozy and breathe out the flip flops. Consider vests (they are cool but not cold), cardigans, turtle necks and long socks.
EAT LARD FOR SLOWER DIGESTING
Best advice ever is to eat fatty foods. Fuel your body with fatty foods because they digest slowly in the body. When you are digesting, you feel warm. Think butter. You can’t be depressed while eating butter. Butter on everything! Can you cook bacon in butter? Who knows? But I’ll try anything to stay warm after the last two weeks. Will you?
