10 Ways to Beat the February Chill
It’s cold, it’s rainy and it just keeps snowing. We are all probably used to the Baltic temperatures in Newcastle by now, but in February, really?! All I am wondering is when will it get a little bit warmer and a little bit sunnier? However, fear not, there are some ways to get you through these wintery days this February.
1. Cosy up in your favourite coffee shop
Now when it’s starting to snow all you really want to do is stay in and keep warm. This is the perfect excuse to grab a hot drink and watch the winter wonderland from outside your window. Even better got to your local coffee house, order an indulgent hot chocolate and watch the world go by.
2. Try a hot new exercise
If running is your thing but you can’t stand the cold, why not give HotPod Yoga a go? It will make you relax whilst burning those calories. HotPod Yoga is great for toning up, breaking a sweat and anyone can join, whether you are a beginner or an expert. Keeping our bodies moving in the cold has never been easier and the warm room will let you escape to warmer climates for at least an hour.
3. Add some light to your life
With the days very slowly getting longer, there are still dark skies early evening. Buy yourself some summer scented candles to fill your dark bedroom. This will add a beautiful scent and a subtle light as well, making it super cosy whilst reminding you of sunnier times ahead.
4. Layers, layers, layers
Hello, puffer jackets and bobble hats. Hopefully, you haven’t already put these essential winter warmers away already, because you will still be needing them. Icy winds are still sweeping the Newcastle air so keep those layers coming and with the unpredictable rainy March still to come it may be a while before you’ll be putting your trusty puffer jacket away.
5. Get that vitamin D
With limited sunshine about at the minute, you will need to find that vitamin D from another source. Smoothies are the perfect way to bring some vitamins into your body and they are easy to make. Have some fun creating new flavours whilst boosting your vitamin levels with a mixture of banana and cocoa powder or strawberries and spinach.
6. Grab a drink by the fire
If you are lucky enough to live in Jesmond, then the world is your oyster when it comes to bars and pubs as there are so many to choose from! Even better if there is an open fire which you can snuggle up to. Bring your mates and get the drinks in and your afternoon is set.
7. Get cooking!
There is nothing better than hot home cooked food on a cold and blustery day. As students, it can be an effort to make our own food but something as easy as a soup will work, and its as easy as chopping up vegetables and cooking them in a stock cube broth. A hearty home cooked meal is just what the doctor ordered, keeping those dreaded second flu’s this season at bay.
8. Duvet day
When the weather is getting you down and you and your mates are dreaming of summer nobody really wants to leave the house. So why not organise a duvet day? Dress code is loungewear or pyjamas, then get in your favourite films, fluffy pillows and big blankets and then gather up all the snacks for the daytime sleepover of a lifetime.
9. Pamper Yourself
The cold can be harsh on your skin and make everything dry. The February chill is just the excuse we need to splash out on some pampering products. I’m talking face masks, body scrubs and even a bubble bath if you can afford the water bill, with particular focus on emollient, moisturising ingredients like shea butter and natural oils to keep your skin protected from the harsh conditions.
10. Summer plans
Finally, what else will take away the cold chills this month than planning your summer hols? Whether you will be jetting off to somewhere hot or surfing the waves down in Cornwall, It’s got to be better than this chilly weather hasn’t it? So start booking those summer getaways and trying on your summer wardrobe to help you feel just that one step closer to summer weather.