Five tips for enduring the cold weather months

With Old Man Winter just around the corner, many of us are struggling to say goodbye to warm breezes and long, summer days. Consider these five tips to help improve the winter blues.

Kickstart your winter wellness routine
During cold months, many of us let our healthy eating habits relax a bit, indulging in comfort foods that we crave when we’re chilled. Eating a well-rounded diet that includes fresh fruit and vegetables helps keep off the pounds- especially during the holidays.

Many of us also see less sun during the short winter days, so it’s smart to boost vitamin D intake by taking a supplement or eating foods such as salmon, milk and eggs.

Banish dry skin and feel happily hydrated
As weather changes, so should your skin care routine. “It is important to pick a daily lotion that provides skin essential moisturizers, such as vitamin B5, naturally found in the skin to improve the moisture barrier,” says dermatologist Dr. Debra Luftman. “With low winter temperatures and dry air from indoor heating, the use of a lotion daily can keep the skin from drying out, while also providing relief and keeping it looking healthy.” Consider a non-greasy, fast-absorbing lotion. To keep your skin looking its best, LUBRIDERM created the LATER GATOR Challenge. Visit http://challenge.lubriderm.com from now through November 30 and try LUBRIDERM lotion every day for one week. If you don’t love your new skin, you get twice your money back.

Stay snug as a bug without spending a bundle
Keeping your home warm and toasty during cool months can cause your utility bills to spike, but some proactive measures can make a big difference. Start by covering drafty windows and placing rolled towels at the bottom of doors where cold air seeps through. Consider purchasing a programmable thermostat so you can keep temperatures higher when you’re home and lower when you’re out or asleep. According to The U.S. Department of Energy, turning your thermostat back 10 to 15 degrees for eight hours a day during cool months could save around 10 percent a year on your heating and cooling bills.

Cruise safely through any winter storm
Driving through rain, sleet or snow isn’t fun, but most of us must brave the elements to go to work and run important errands. Get your car ready for the cold weather by making sure the fluids are full, especially the window washing solution. On especially cold days, it’s not uncommon for locks to freeze. Be proactive by spraying a little WD40 in the lock to keep it functioning properly.

With these few tips, you might find yourself welcoming winter with open arms. Remember, there are plenty of great things about this time of year – family gatherings, cozy sweaters and warm fireplaces – and maybe now, you can enjoy them a little bit more.