cold survival tips

[reupload of a bulletin becuase i want to add more as they become apparent]

i gotta be up at the BREAK OF DAWN (like 7) some days for college, and of course its FREEZING. and then when my day finishes the sun has ALREADY GONE DOWN and i really feel for all the lads and laddettes out there going through the same torturous cold. i don't even have a coat or winter gear, so hopefully these tips are less-than-obvious and helpful!!

before you leave the house --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

> LAYERS!!! - i cannot stress enough how much tucking layers into one another helps. i like to wear tights under my jeans (no one can see how ridiculous it looks!), a tank top AND a long-sleeved top under my normal outfit (usually just a top and hoodie). my dumbass then tucks my tank top into my tights, my tights into the long-sleeved top and then the long-sleeved top into my trousers. This allows heat to be trapped easily, and works even better if you add a tight belt!

> mm warm drink - if you can make yourself a tea or coffee before you set off, that's great, but i know myself and others wake up too late to even eat breakfast. i just nuke juice in the microwave for 45 second (disgusting, i know) and chug it before i step outside. really helps!!! obviously bringing a warm drink in a thermos is even better, but SOME PEOPLE (me) hate carrying bottles around.

> masks - idk about you, but i'm more likely to find a mask lying around than a scarf or hat. remember in Covid winter and how your face was always hot and wet from the condensation in your mask? not always a bad thing.

> dry your hair!! - if you have showers in the morning, get yoself a hair dryer. i don't care if it ruins your hair, walking outside with wet hair is horrible and will make you so much colder.

on the way there/back -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

> KEEP MOVING! - if you're walking at all (bless your soul) walk AS FAST as you can!!! don't slow down/stop if you can help it. get to a crossing? jog on the spot or risk it running across the road. getting hit by a car id better than being chilly.

> keep close to walls/buildings - sometimes houses (or better yet, open shops) give off a bit of heat, but more importantly, structures can block wind and in some places trap warmth.

> place on the bus - if you get the bus and it's empty enough to be able to choose where to sit, think about where you're sitting! try to stay away from the doors, preferably upstairs, and make sure any windows you can are closed. on the bottom floor (or if your bus is only one deck) try to sit near the wheels/engine.

in school ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

> place in class - similar to the last one. if possible, don't sit next to doors/ windows OR sit as close to the radiator or heater as you can. also some teachers keep heaters under their desk to if your teacher does try to sit close to them.

> food - if your school sells or offers food at all, eat it!!! even if it's not hot!!! just getting it in you and making your organs work will make you warmer and give you more energy. if you don't have the money or ability to get food, try bringing snack with you or at least drink water. most schools should have water fountains.

if you have any other unusual or less talked about tips for staying warm, please share! (i'm suffering)