There are many winter mistakes we all make. Planning well is crucial for avoiding the worst, but there will almost always be something you miss. A mistake in winter can be a big deal as services may not be widely available due to bad weather, making home life miserable. And some mistakes can be expensive or even deadly. From getting outside in the cold to looking after the garden and making sure you pay attention to the car, here are some useful tips.
Using Heating Systems Wrong
One of the biggest issues in winter is, of course, the heating. We all need warmth to survive, and feeling cold at home can have a negative impact on your mental well-being. You can feel cold at home because you use your system wrong. Heat pump installation from services Central Oregon Heating, Cooling & Plumbing can be more efficient. This is because not all radiators can reach the max setting. Use the settings to maintain a constant, comfortable temperature.
Staying Inside When It’s Colder
It’s all too easy to curl up and wrap up when it’s freezing outside. But this is a big mistake. We are social creatures and need to be around others. Getting out lets us do this. But there are also genuine health benefits of getting outside in winter, even when it is colder than you like:
- Even in the cold, you need fresh air to help your lungs stay healthy.
- Sunlight provides you with the UV rays your body needs for vitamin D.
- A brisk winter walk boosts serotonin and provides physical movement.
- Exposure to the cold outdoor air helps boost your metabolism.
Even in a polluted area with traffic, for example, outdoor fresh air is much healthier than stale indoor air. Yet you also need the sun to ensure you get enough vitamin D. And just being outside and walking in a park has a powerful effect on your overall general well-being.
Winter Mistakes with Food
Food and diet are always issues throughout the year, but it can become harder to manage in winter. Most people gain between 1 and 2 pounds in winter, and this is normal. However, you may experience winter blues and not want to cook when it’s cold and dark. Then there is the added temptation of takeout food. Further, comfort eating can also become an issue if you experience SAD. Try to be mindful of what you are eating and address your emotions.
Leaving Out Moisturizer
Some people leave out moisturizers in winter because there is a common misconception that water particles will freeze and damage the skin. Moisturizers, good ones anyway, don’t contain water and will actually work to protect your skin. The skin is easily damaged in winter because of the exposure to cold. Moisturizing products will form a barrier of defense between the elements and your skin, as well as protection when going from cold to warm environments.
Ditching Sunscreen when Outside
Further to skin protection, it would help if you used sunscreen in winter. Wait, what? Yes, sunscreen is vital in winter. Just because it isn’t sunny doesn’t mean the UV radiation isn’t there. Even on a cloudy day, UV radiation can be high and will damage your skin just as much as if you were at the beach on a summer’s day. Experts agree that SPF should be used all year round. If you are unsure, check the local weather report for an update on UV strength each day.
Using Standard Power Strips
Winter comes with severe weather. And this can cause all kinds of issues with your electrical devices. Power loss, for example, can happen when lightning strikes nearby or a power transformer is affected by bad weather. You can lose data this way when working from home, which is a nightmare. However, power surges can also blow your devices beyond repair. Install power surge protection strips to help prevent excess electricity from damaging your equipment.
Misunderstanding the Garden in Winter
We all love a bit of gardening when spring comes around. But you should still pay attention to the garden over the winter. You can’t do much in the dead of winter. But you can prepare the garden beforehand to prevent major issues throughout the colder season:
- Keep your garden tidy to avoid mishaps and prepare the soil for spring.
- Mow the lawn before it’s too cold because it’s impossible in the dead of winter.
- Store tools and furniture away to maintain them and prevent missiles.
- Cut back perennials, prune plants, and cover delicate beds to keep them healthy.
- Make sure you plant bulbs and seeds at the right time for spring growth.
- Remember, we aren’t the only ones here to help out local wildlife.
Staying ahead of the winter garden issues that can crop up makes it much easier when the weather warms up and spring rolls around. Dangerous problems can be avoided when you keep the garden clean and tidy, which also prevents tools from being blown at your home in a storm.
Being Underprepared when Hiking
Millions of people enjoy hiking at any time of the year, and winter is no different. If you enjoy hiking and are planning to do it during winter for the first time, you need to be prepared. This is because it is much more treacherous than at warmer times of the year. Weather fronts can move in quickly, ice causes major problems, and the daylight dwindles in the blink of an eye. Some tips include layering correctly, securing loose items, and taking a flashlight with you.
Choosing Style Over Practicality
So you are a dedicated follower of fashion, eh? Well, that won’t get you anywhere during a snowstorm or even navigating your way from the car to a friend’s front door. We all like to look good, but there is a line when it comes to winter. High heels and crop tops just aren’t practical, and you will suffer or even injure yourself. Always think about the weather and what can happen. Layer up and take a coat. You can always remove layers when inside and warm.
Wearing Thick Socks
Layering up is a standard way to stay warm and dry when venturing out into the winter days and nights. But we are often tempted to wear thicker clothing. Thicker clothing will help, but only when it is used correctly. Thick layers are best used for outer clothing. So thick socks won’t do. This is because thicker materials make you sweat more, and this can freeze when it’s cold enough. As a result, you end up being colder and can even experience issues like chilblains.
Mobile Device Winter Mistakes
We live in a world where we are almost entirely reliant on technology. For most, this means using a smartphone for everything. As great as they are, smartphone batteries are notoriously bad and die quickly. One survey found that around 47% of people’s phones die at least once per week. But a phone can be a lifeline in winter if something terrible happens. Make sure your phone is fully charged before heading out, and take a spare battery if at all possible.
Forgetting About the Car
It’s very easy to forget about the car in winter, especially if you have a garage. But the cold weather can have a severe effect on how your car runs. It only takes a few minutes each day to ensure the car is okay with a FLOWER check, but you should also consider these too:
- Remove ice and snow from the car, and never drive with these on it.
- Never replace your car’s fluids (such as windscreen cleaner) with water.
- Warm the car by driving it and not idling, or you will waste gas and money.
- Keep the gas tank at least half full to prevent water from freezing inside it.
Ice and snow are major hazards and can fall off when driving to cover your windscreen. This is a good way to have a bad day. It also helps to ensure you use the proper fluids. These are designed to work as they should without water. And ice in the tank will cause engine issues.
Running and Jogging Like It’s Summer
As someone who enjoys exercise such as running and jogging, winter won’t deter you from doing so. That’s a great attitude to have, and there are even benefits to winter jogging, such as breathing clean and fresh air. However, it is different from jogging in the summer, so you need to be aware of a few things. First, you need to be visible. Light can become scarce very quickly in winter. Layers are also essential, and warming up will prevent muscle strain and injuries.
Summary
Using your home’s heating system in the wrong way is a winter mistake that can cost time and money. You can also avoid problems in the garden by preparing it before the dead of winter hits. Pay attention to safety if you enjoy venturing out for a jogging session during the winter.