Winter is always the time of year when we think: cold, cold, cold! It is the time of year when we break out the jackets, scarves, mittens, hats, and blankets; and huddle inside the house, next to the warm fire, desperately trying to keep warm. Well, that is at least the postcard’s interpretation of trying to keep warm in Maine during the winter. However, almost three years ago, Women’s World magazine had published an article on how to stay warm this winter without having to put on all the winter gear. I believe it is about time to revisit that article and bring to you some of the tips that can really improve your winter lifestyle. Here are the tips resurfaced from the Women’s World magazine article:

1. Try surrounding yourself with yellow. Scientific studies of the electromagnetic spectrum, of visible light in particular, show that the color yellow tricks the brain into thinking and relating their current environment to one of a warm, sunny day. Since the sun and its light are yellow in hue, wearing yellow or surrounding yourself with yellow objects naturally can increase your body temperature.

2. Eat food with protein. High-protein-containing foods may be chicken, turkey, ham, fish, or other types of poultry, great for the main course at the traditional Christmas feast. This is because the body must use extra energy to dissolve the protein that is digested. However, be aware not to overindulge in protein-containing foods, as excess protein will turn to fat, adding to the winter weight gain that occurs annually.

3. Drink ice water. Now this may seem contradictory in the winter, after all you are trying to warm up! However, ice water actually requires more energy from the body to heat the water up, allowing the body’s overall temperature to rise. The excess use of energy also burns calories, which helps to solve the problem of weight gain during the winter.

Therefore, try these tips that I have specifically resurfaced for you, from Women’s World magazine. If you follow at least one of these three tips mentioned here, you may be able to shed one of those scarves for the rest of the winter. Either that or it will at least put your mind at ease about not having to stress over the cold temperatures for the rest of this winter.