6 WAYS to stay WARM and SAVE MONEY
ALSO!!
Culinary herbs that make us feel warmer and improve circulation:
Black pepper - It has antiseptic, and antioxidant properties.
Cayenne - It is rich in vitamin C, and helps relieve chills, coughs and congestion. It is an antioxidant and antiseptic.
Cinnamon - It helps dry dampness in the body and warms people that are always cold and suffering from poor circulation. Cinnamon is antiseptic and an excellent digestive tonic.
Garlic - Helps one be more resistant to infection. Garlic is a potent vasodilator and improves circulation by helping to prevent the blood from clumping together.
Ginger - Is a natural antioxidant and antiseptic. It improves circulation to all parts of the body and helps move stagnation and reduces inflammation that contributes to stiff achy joints. Ginger baths are warming, muscle relaxing and cold and flu relieving and can be made by simmering eight ounces of ginger into a half gallon of water, simmering at a low boil for twenty minutes, then straining into the bathtub.
Horseradish - It is high in vitamin C, and aids in the digestion of fatty foods. Horseradish is antiseptic and a strong decongestant; helping to open congested respiratory passages.
How to stay warm and save money
1. Pile on the layers. Remember when your parents would always tell you to put a jacket on if you were cold? This simple idea may actually be one piece of parental advice you should follow. Rather than cranking up the heat, put on your favorite fleece, scarf, beanie, or slippers (fuzzy socks are also encouraged). You will immediately feel all cozy and warm, and not just because you're actively helping the environment.
2. Dodge that draft. Use draft dodgers to block the cold from sneaking under your door. You can even make your own using the ripped towel you've been meaning to get rid of and your old jeans you just can't bring yourself to throw away. Making or purchasing one will only take minutes, and the saved heat in your house will be felt quickly.
3. Double up curtains. Keep the snow monster on the other side of your windows by using extra thick curtains or drapes on your glass panes. Open curtains during daylight hours to gain natural heat and close them at night to decrease the amount of heat lost through the glass, which can account for up to 25% of your heating bill.
4. Close up. Close the doors and vents in less-used rooms to minimize the amount of energy you use on heating. This will keep the heat where you want it most, and the rooms you close will quickly warm up when needed.
5. Get moving. Warm yourself up with exercise, whether it's a quick jog or cleaning up the house post-holidays. You'll feel warm and more energized for the day ahead in no time. Bonus points for getting others in your household or building to join you!
6. Cook up some warmth. Nothing says winter like a nice, warm meal. Warm yourself from the inside out by eating soup or drinking tea when you feel the need for heat. For an extra snuggly night, pair this with tip number 1, a cozy blanket, and some reading.
By Jessica Zischke
Culinary herbs that make us feel warmer and improve circulation:
Black pepper - It has antiseptic, and antioxidant properties.
Cayenne - It is rich in vitamin C, and helps relieve chills, coughs and congestion. It is an antioxidant and antiseptic.
Cinnamon - It helps dry dampness in the body and warms people that are always cold and suffering from poor circulation. Cinnamon is antiseptic and an excellent digestive tonic.
Garlic - Helps one be more resistant to infection. Garlic is a potent vasodilator and improves circulation by helping to prevent the blood from clumping together.
Ginger - Is a natural antioxidant and antiseptic. It improves circulation to all parts of the body and helps move stagnation and reduces inflammation that contributes to stiff achy joints. Ginger baths are warming, muscle relaxing and cold and flu relieving and can be made by simmering eight ounces of ginger into a half gallon of water, simmering at a low boil for twenty minutes, then straining into the bathtub.
Horseradish - It is high in vitamin C, and aids in the digestion of fatty foods. Horseradish is antiseptic and a strong decongestant; helping to open congested respiratory passages.
1. Pile on the layers. Remember when your parents would always tell you to put a jacket on if you were cold? This simple idea may actually be one piece of parental advice you should follow. Rather than cranking up the heat, put on your favorite fleece, scarf, beanie, or slippers (fuzzy socks are also encouraged). You will immediately feel all cozy and warm, and not just because you're actively helping the environment.
2. Dodge that draft. Use draft dodgers to block the cold from sneaking under your door. You can even make your own using the ripped towel you've been meaning to get rid of and your old jeans you just can't bring yourself to throw away. Making or purchasing one will only take minutes, and the saved heat in your house will be felt quickly.
3. Double up curtains. Keep the snow monster on the other side of your windows by using extra thick curtains or drapes on your glass panes. Open curtains during daylight hours to gain natural heat and close them at night to decrease the amount of heat lost through the glass, which can account for up to 25% of your heating bill.
4. Close up. Close the doors and vents in less-used rooms to minimize the amount of energy you use on heating. This will keep the heat where you want it most, and the rooms you close will quickly warm up when needed.
5. Get moving. Warm yourself up with exercise, whether it's a quick jog or cleaning up the house post-holidays. You'll feel warm and more energized for the day ahead in no time. Bonus points for getting others in your household or building to join you!
6. Cook up some warmth. Nothing says winter like a nice, warm meal. Warm yourself from the inside out by eating soup or drinking tea when you feel the need for heat. For an extra snuggly night, pair this with tip number 1, a cozy blanket, and some reading.
By Jessica Zischke
Jessica Zischke is an editorial intern at Sierra.
She is currently studying environmental studies at Dartmouth College,
where she also works as a staff writer for The Dartmouth newspaper.
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