Not only was I exposed to this so called “polar vortex” for the first time in my life after living pretty much in a desert, but it was the worst winter that Chicago has witnessed in more than 20 years! So you can imagine the shock I went through!
Fortunately, I am very prepared this year and already know what to expect, so I think it will be a much better experience. That being said, I came up with the main ten things that I wish someone had told me last winter, in the hopes that you will find them beneficial and maybe you will have a better experience than I did!
Go on more grocery shopping visits but load less items.
I don’t know if all of you have this problem but I don’t have a car and I have suffered in the past when doing my monthly grocery shopping. I would purchase all these groceries without realizing that I have to carry all these bags back home. Aside from the fact that my arm almost fell off, it’s not any better when you are walking through 5 inches of snow and can’t feel your fingers to look for the keys to your building. I recently discovered the solution and now go a couple of times a month and buy less stuff each time, enough for me to comfortably carry and walk home. Trust me it makes a huge difference! Another solution is to just buy one of those shopping trolleys but I personally don’t think I need one.
Ladies- Buy Dry Shampoo!!!
I’m sure guys can benefit from this too, but I don’t think you suffer from our daily hair maintenance situation where whatever we try to do with our hair, as soon as we cover our head with anything to keep us warm, all our work is down the drains. What the dry shampoo is for however, is I think it’s a great quick fix when our hair has been touched by our hands, covered by our ear muffs or beanies or whatever head piece you will use this winter; it will be touching your hair all day. Dry shampoo will keep your hair fresh and non-greasy. I’m not saying it’s an alternative to showering… please don’t do that…
Wardrobe must haves -Think CHEF! (chest, hands, ears, feet.)
Whatever you do there are four main parts of your body that need to be warm. Don’t leave your place without having a good pair of gloves to keep your hands warm, something that covers your ears, a scarf because that wind will be blowing on your chest all day, and proper snow boots, preferably waterproof with rubber soles. Ballerinas and loafers won’t work in the winter, sorry. Also, leather gets ruined from the snow so be careful! I don’t think I need to mention your winter coat, I think that is already given but make sure you have one; a real one! What ever type of coat you think is heavy enough for the winter, buy something twice as heavy (trust me , what I bought thinking will be my winter coat last year was my fall coat this year.)
Don’t be cheap!
If you are going to compromise quality for cost, you are making a mistake. With your winter coat, especially. Take it as an investment, those items will stay with you for a few good years and it is worth every dollar. Also, don’t go to the most expensive stores to buy these things, wait for good sales or online options (Thanksgiving is coming up). Not any gloves will do, you’d be surprised how far the cold goes through your clothing. Same with your shoes, you need some real boots that will last the crazy snow storms. I thought I will be fine with two boots that I bought from home with only the purpose of style and I can’t wear them anymore because they are destroyed. Invest in a good large umbrella too, every time I got one it just fell apart from the wind and I was left with a funny looking umbrella and a wet body (I now have a more heavy duty one.)
Check the weather right when you are leaving—not before!
So Chicago’s been playing games lately, one day its warm the next its windy… I noticed many times that I would be ready for a freezing cold day with 20 layers and then as soon as I step outside it is not as cold. The best is to check your weather before you leave the door, even that isn’t always accurate but that way you can easily add or remove a layer. Another thing you should do is download one of those CTA apps that tell you the bus or train schedule so that you don’t need to spend more time in the cold.
Drink a sip of water before you go outside
This is one of my uncle’s remedies and I didn’t really take it into consideration, however if you realize you will be feeling very dehydrated during the winter. Especially when you are moving from very warm indoor to very cold outdoor temperatures. In general you should drink more water, but make sure to drink some water before you step outside because it helps to balance your body temperature and cool it down a little. It helps avoid getting sick as well. That’s just me stating what my uncle said and it has worked for me so I would trust it.
Thermal clothing? Bad idea!
Biggest mistake I made, I bought all this thermal clothing and sure it keeps you warm while walking for a few minutes outside but the moment you enter anywhere you will feel like you are suffocating. If you have your heavy duty coat (and CHEF items ;)) that’s all you need. Once you go anywhere you will realize you didn’t need that many layers. In fact a light sweatshirt sometimes is more than enough when you are inside.
Learn how to make chicken vegetable soup
You may get sick and it will suck…so learn to make chicken vegetable soup and have a lot of it, it is full of nutrients and helps you get better sooner. (So does a lot of DayQuil/NyQuil or whatever medication you use.)
Another one for the ladies- Don’t leave the nail salon until your nails are extremely dry!
So I advise you to get a mani-pedi at some point because when it’s cold and depressing you will need to pamper yourself every once in a while…winter lasts for six months… When you do however, you will obviously have gloves and socks and boots on so don’t be rushed or think that your nails are dry because most likely they will get ruined as soon as you get home. Even if you put that plastic cover that they give you, it doesn’t work. So take your time and wait at least 20 minutes 
Just Do It!
There are days when it will get really hard to get out of bed, all you will want to do is curl under your sheets and stay warm. You will not want to go to class, or work, you will feel down, you will cancel plans with friends and decide not to go to school events because it’s too cold or you’re not in the best mood. That is ok, but please don’t get used to that. Just get up, get out of bed, get ready and get out. See more people, go to more places, do things that make you feel good. JUST DO IT!
So those are my highly valued tips for you. Oh and moisturize, moisturize, moisturize!
