I’ve been warned way too much lately about the winters in Boston. I tell my classmates, professors, and friends that I’m from Florida and I already know what they are about to say: “Good luck with the winters up here!” Perhaps they assume I have no idea what snow is, or what it even looks like for that matter. And though I’m no expert, I’ve experienced snowy holidays. And in case you don’t believe me, it’s white and it falls from the sky.
I know I’m not alone when I say I am not totally prepared for winters in Boston. When I come across fellow southerners one of the first conversations we have is regarding how we are going to manage the winter. So, after hearing one too many “Good Luck!” sentiments, I decided to scope out any information I could on how to have a successful winter.
1. Layer. When getting dressed in the morning we have to first consider a base layer, such as a long sleeve shirt and jeans. Then the next layer, including a sweater or vest. After we have two layers, we need a third or fourth (yes that’s right, four layers). The third or fourth layer can be either another heavier sweater or jacket, and then finally your parka! (Ha!) Layering allows us to increase or decrease our body temperatures. When we walk outside, we will be thankful for those four layers; but, when we walk into a heated classroom, we definitely don’t want to be sitting there soaking up our layers. Thus, by layering we can take off the heavier jackets and sit comfortably—although, I don’t know how comfortable it can be in a crammed three hundred-seat lecture hall with your sweatshirt, scarf, gloves, and parker confined to your seat….
2. Eat and drink hot foods. When we eat or drink something hot, we are warming our bodies. We should start our mornings off with either oatmeal or an omelet with a side of coffee or tea. For lunch or dinner, stick to soup. We will be so thankful for the variety of soup offered in the dining halls. In between meals enjoy something warm, whether it is a hot chocolate, coffee, or cup of tea with honey.
3. Keep moving! The longer we stay in one spot or position, the more cold we become. For example, when we go outside in the snow and just stand there, we’re likely to get cold within a few minutes. But if we can keep moving, just walking around, going up and down the steps, or even moving in place, we are circulating blood flow and producing heat.
Winter is just around the corner, and before we know it, we will be walking in the snow with our coats (parkas) and boots that look like we’re venturing Antarctica. To all my northerners: enjoy another winter. To all my fellow southerners: we are in this together, and even if we freeze, we can say we not only experienced, but survived a New England winter!
Photo Sources:
http://www.maniacworld.com/winter-in-florida.html
http://powergenerationinc.com/11-ways-to-save-on-energy-costs-during-winter-in-florida/
http://sos-chefs.com/archive-blog/hot-drinks-keeping-you-cool/
http://srxawordonhealth.com/2013/01/02/baby-its-cold-outside/exercise-in-the-snow/