It’s official. We’ve transitioned from the surprisingly mild December weather into the blistering cold winds of February. I wished for snow in December, during the days of Christmas break when I had nowhere to go and just wanted to sit by the fireplace. Now that school has become an obligation again, assignments and tests are popping up, and I’m back to spending a significant amount of my time commuting on public transit, I’m wishing for that bearable December weather to come back.
Waking up to news reports of freezing temperatures can make it difficult to get out of bed in the morning. But despite the weather, life must go on. Which means getting your butt out of the house for school, work, and other obligations.
Here are some things to keep in mind while bracing yourself for the cold weather:
Bundle up.
That means winter coats, hats, mittens/gloves, boots, and maybe even two pairs of socks. Lugging all of this extra fabric around on your back can be a hassle, but it’ll make waiting for your bus or walking from building to building a little more comfortable.
Keep your insides warm.
Coffee, hot chocolate, tea… and lots of it. These drinks may be your go-to all year round, but when your teeth are chattering and you can’t feel your hands, they’re just that much more necessary.
Stay healthy.
With temperatures this low, you or people around you are likely to catch a cold at some point. Protect yourself from the bug. Eat healthy, wash your hands, and try not to get too close to anyone who may be sick. This might sound extreme, but once assignments and tests and midterms start dominating your life, you’ll be thankful that you don’t have to deal with being sick on top of everything else.
Lastly, stay positive.
The blistering winds and slush-covered roads and blizzard days that should force UTM to shut down for the day but rarely do will eventually end. We’ll be basking in the glow of a warm spring sun in only a few months. Until then, we must accept the cold Canadian winter and try to find warmth wherever we can.
