Winter is my personal nemesis, as soon as the temperature drops below 10 degrees, I'm cold all the time. What can you do about it? I've got 23 great tips to combat shivering and I'll tell you some wonderful home remedies that work quickly!
Winter is coming. Now there are three options. 1. crawl into bed until mid-March. 2. emigrate to the southern hemisphere. 3. finally arm yourself against the cold and enjoy the cold and snow with some simple tips.
Being a frostbite is really not nice. You spend almost the whole day half curled up, trying to isolate yourself from the outside world as best you can. Result: even more cold feet, even more clammy fingers, even more freezing.
There are often relatively simple reasons for shivering. A lack of fluids, too much coffee and cigarettes make us susceptible to low temperatures. But low blood pressure or circulatory problems can also be the cause.
It's not all that dramatic and usually totally harmless. And thank goodness there are countless tips to combat cold and shivering in winter. Today, I'd like to share a few of my favorite home remedies for shivering with you - even my grandma relied on them!
Why do we freeze?
Freezing is our body's natural reaction to low temperatures. Imagine your body is like a super-smart thermostat that always makes sure you don't get too cold.
When it gets chilly outside, your brain, especially the part called the hypothalamus, is the boss. It gives the signal, and poof, the blood vessels in your skin contract.
It's like turning off a tap to keep the heat in. At the same time, your muscles start to shiver - it's not just a funny feeling, it's a clever trick your body uses to warm you up. The shivering is like a mini-workout that generates heat.
And then there are the hormones, like little helpers that get your metabolism going. Adrenaline, for example, gives you a little kick to crank up the inner heating.
All these processes are extremely important to prevent you from cooling down. Because too cold is really not cool - in the truest sense of the word. So our body is a real miracle that helps us stay warm and alert even when it's freezing cold. Pretty ingenious, isn't it? 😎
But there are people who start to freeze at 20° degrees. We are all a bit different.
The 23 best home remedies for freezing
By the way: even if some people react more sensitively to the cold. Our body can learn to cope with the cold. All it needs is a period of acclimatization, hardening and good home remedies.
With a good plan, you can do it and not freeze, shiver and get frostbite in winter, even though you're in the warm anyway.
1.tips against freezing: It all depends on the clothes
"There's no such thing as wrong weather, only inappropriate clothing." Sound like a terrible saying from grandma's repertoire of platitudes? True! And is unfortunately really true. Because with the right clothes, we don't get cold so quickly.
On cold days, it is better to wear loose clothing than tight layers. This is because loose clothing is better at retaining body heat. And that protects us from freezing.
2. the onion principle for all outdoor fans
Dress according to the onion principle. In other words, wear several thin layers. This way you are better insulated against the cold. And you can adapt more quickly to different temperatures in the office and on the train. Incidentally, the same principle applies when doing sport.
I start with a tight-fitting layer. Then I wear a long-sleeved shirt over it and finish with a fluffy wool sweater. Yes, I do it this way even when the room temperature is 21° at work! And it works wonderfully 🙂
3. winter shoes may be comfortable
This means that they should never be too tight on the foot. This ensures that the blood supply is reduced and we freeze more quickly. The toes should always be able to move comfortably in the shoes.
As a frostbite, you are welcome to choose the warmest rather than the most stylish winter shoes. They can be oversized and fluffy. There are shoes with extra good insulation - I'm just talking about Thinsulate and wool - they keep the warmth inside the shoe.
They must be waterproof because wet feet cool down more quickly. Under no circumstances should they be too tight, you should still have room for a second pair of warm socks if necessary.
A robust, thick sole provides an additional layer of insulation. For those with cold feet, a high shaft and fluffy inner lining also help.
Sheepskin insoles also help to reduce the cold from below. Find out what else helps against cold toes here: With these 11 home remedies you will never get cold feet again.
4. the right materials keep us from freezing
Hands off synthetic fibers. We sweat much faster in them and freeze as soon as we leave the overheated office. Instead, opt for wool, down and sheepskin. This allows moisture to be transported outside and body heat to be stored.
Merino wool is supposed to keep you particularly warm. But I haven't tried that yet. It's available as underwear, sweaters, tights, socks and much more. It will be my next present to myself. 🥰
5. take a change of clothes
Anyone who sweats quickly or does sport outdoors in winter should be able to change their clothes quickly. This is because the sweat on your skin makes your clothes clammy. This in turn cools the body down and makes us freeze even faster.
If you're an athlete, it's best to choose breathable items and put them on top of each other in an onion look. And after sport, quickly get out of your clothes and into the shower 🙂
You should change into fresh clothes quickly, at least on top, if you still have to drive after your run. Lydia gives you some really great tips on how to dress properly for jogging in winter here: "This outfit will keep you warm even on freezing cold days!“
6. warm hats protect you from freezing
The body loses a lot of heat through the head. So no matter how unattractive it looks and makes for a disastrous hairstyle: a hat is a must in low temperatures. And must at least cover your ears.
On very cold days, I wear a thin earmuff under my cap - this protects me from the icy wind that finds its way under the cap.
Likewise, warm gloves and a large scarf should always be included. The more scarf, the better is my motto. 😅
7. hardening by cold
Stomp barefoot through the snow? Out into the cold after a sauna? We frostbite sufferers shiver at the very thought of it. But one of the most effective means against freezing is cold. The reason is simple.
After the cold stimulus, the vessels dilate again. This makes us feel pleasantly warm. A very nice side effect: not only the blood circulation is stimulated. The immune system is also strengthened. Afterwards, be sure to dry your feet well and put on warm socks.
But please don't do this if your feet are already freezing cold. They should at least be at room temperature.
8. outdoor sports make you fit for winter
Even if it is perhaps a double effort at the beginning. Outdoor sport promotes blood circulation, warms us up and Boosts the immune system.
If you're not keen on running, you can also go for a brisk walk. In other words, really brisk walking to get your circulation going. Keep circling your arms, wiggle your fingers and really get your walk moving.
However, it is even better and more sustainable if you start running. The big advantage: in the cold season, you have hardly any competition on the running track.
You can find out what to look out for here: Jogging in winter: The best tips for a cool winter run.
9. keep moving helps against freezing
Anyone who has long transfer times or has to wait for public transportation knows this. The train is canceled because of 3 snowflakes. But 4 toes and 3 fingers freeze off. This is because our body prefers to use the energy to supply our organs.
After all, it's better to live with 7 fingers than without kidneys. But before you have to say goodbye to your limbs, get moving. Roll your toes up and down. Clench your fingers into fists and then let go again. Instead of standing, walk it all off. Get moving! The track is sure to come!
10. more exercise in the fresh air
A common reason for getting cold is that we don't move enough. So get into your sports gear. Off to the yoga mat or the gym. But exercise in the fresh air is also great. How about a winter walk?
If you're cold in the office, you should go to the toilet regularly, swing your arms wildly, run up and down the corridor and get more movement into your daily routine.
11. ginger, the best home remedy for the cold
Ginger is not only incredibly healthy. It also has a spiciness that heats up the body from the inside. The tuber also has a great effect on colds. Ginger disinfects and helps with a sore throat. You can make prepare an immune system booster with honey and turmeric.
You can drink ginger as a tea or add it to soup. The root goes especially well with curry dishes or pumpkin soups. You are missing some inspiration? Here is a delicious recipe: Quick pumpkin soup with coconut milk.
12. spicy food warms from the inside
Those who freeze quickly should not be stingy with spices when cooking. Chili, hot peppers, cayenne pepper heat up the body properly. The ingredient capsaicin provides the burning sensation in the mouth and the pleasant warmth from the inside.
And the good thing about it: many of these foods are among the Immune system booster foods!
13. it all comes down to the right food
In fact, according to traditional Chinese medicine, there are cooling and warming foods. Fennel and goat's cheese are perfect for cold days. Just like lamb or game as well as nuts and seeds. Red wine is also great for winter evenings.
You should avoid tropical fruits. These include kiwis, pineapples and mandarins, but also bananas. Raw vegetables and leafy salads are also better suited to the summer months. Yoghurt, quark and a glass of white wine are also on hold for the time being.
14 Soup time at last!
There are countless fantastic recipes for soups. They are not only very healthy and provide us with essential vitamins and minerals. Soups warm the body from the inside. You shouldn't skimp on hot spices or ginger here either.
You can Instant vegetable broth and use the paste to prepare a fresh soup every time in just 5 minutes.
15. off to the bathtub
This tip makes it into the top 3 anyway, because what could be better than relaxing in the bathtub? Especially after a day of frosty temperatures and stress. Bath additives with thyme, rosemary or eucalyptus in particular help to banish the cold.
You can easily make your own bath additives. Take a look here: Make bath additive yourself. Make sure the water is not too hot. And that you can relax on the sofa afterwards. That way you won't put too much strain on your circulation.
By the way, chasing away frosty fingers and feet works just as well in the shower. It can be a little longer if you like. Shower gels with herbal or forest scents warm you up and help you relax!
16. alternating showers especially for hot showers
Calling all hot showers: be brave now! Because alternating showers are a super effective home remedy against chills. It increases blood circulation and hardens the body. So afterwards you not only feel awake, but also comfortably warm.
You'll benefit most if you do it straight after getting up. It's super hard, but it will wake you up more than the strongest coffee! In combination with a Dry brush massage Before that, get your circulation going!
17. foot baths increase blood circulation
Helps not only with cold toes: Footbaths stimulate the entire blood circulation and increase well-being. Footbaths are particularly ideal before going to bed. With warm feet we find much better to rest.
But the whole body is also warmed from the inside. Foot baths also help with colds. I regularly make a Foot bath with baking soda and apple cider vinegar to detoxify - I can warmly recommend this to you!
18. sauna regularly
We frostbite sufferers should all treat ourselves to this little luxury. Because regular saunas help our cold-sensitive bodies. It is not only a wonderful way to toughen up. It also strengthens the immune system.
But don't believe anyone who tells you that you should go to the sauna if you have a cold. This can actually weaken your body even more! In such a case, you'd be better off reading up on it here: the 18 most effective home remedies for colds in a self-test.
19. massages help against freezing
Massages have particularly great effects. They not only promote blood circulation. They also tighten the skin and help us to relax. You can massage yourself with a brush or sponge or use your partner 😉
Start at the feet and work your way up to the thighs in circular movements. Massage the abdomen in a clockwise direction. This promotes blood circulation and warms the body from the inside.
Our Tip: Just make the massage oil yourselfyou can add lots of warming oils!
What you need for this:
- 50 ml of a base oil such as olive oil or Almond oil* (cold-pressed, native)
- 20 drops of rosemary, thyme or ginger oil
Here's how:
Mix the oils in a bowl with a non-metallic spoon. Then warm carefully in your hands. And start kneading 🙂
20. warm snuggle
My absolute favorite when it's really uncomfortable and freezing cold outside. Light some candles and grab a thick blanket. Add a warm hot water bottle and a soothing tea with ginger.
The only thing missing is a really great audio book or an exciting novel. It's balm for the soul and feels like a short vacation. Oh yes, and you certainly won't be cold. And if you do, there's reading that's sure to warm your heart. 🥰
21. hot water bottles help against freezing
Hot water bottles or cherry pit cushions provide soothing warmth. And ensure that the shivering body relaxes again very quickly. Who often freezes in bed, can simply put the hot water bottle at his feet.
You can also warm up a bottle in the office and place it on your lap or on your cold toes. I speak from experience - I have three different hot water bottles in my office box waiting to be used every day.
22. make warm thoughts
Sounds totally stupid, doesn't it? That's true. But telling yourself mantra-like how cold it is certainly doesn't help either. Instead, think back to your last summer vacation. Close your eyes. Feel the sun on your skin and the warm sand between your toes.
Your body will stop tensing up. And your muscles will loosen up. This allows the blood to flow much better through your body. You will stop feeling cold and feel warm again.
By the way: Booking or planning your next vacation right away works twice as well 🙂
23. laughter helps against cold
We stick to the pleasant things in life. People who laugh a lot are less sensitive to cold. On the one hand, laughter distracts us from feeling cold. On the other hand, it releases so much energy that it warms our hearts.
But there are also many other Reasons to laugh regularly speak. For example, you can train your immune system, release feelings of happiness and relax better.
Our conclusion
Wintertime can be fantastic - so cold and snow should no longer be the nemesis of all frostbite. With my 23 tips, it's not just your toes that stay warm. They prepare you perfectly for the low temperatures and boost your immune system. This will make you fit for the cold months and keep you healthy and happy. Without freezing. 😎🙂
And in an emergency, a hot water bottle can work wonders!
To browse further:
* Advertising & affiliate links: Our website is financed by advertising and affiliate links. As a partner of linked stores (e.g. Amazon) we earn from qualified sales.
Read more
