How to Survive Winter

Winter can be a brutal time, especially if you live in the Midwest or on the east coast. Personally, I hate winter. I think the snow is pretty but I hate the cold. Growing up in Michigan, I'm used to harsh winters. Over the years I've found things that I like to do to prepare myself for the polar vortexes that are bound to ensue. These are things that I like to get and that I find essential in trying to make the winter months a little better.

1.) Cute hats, gloves/mittens, and scarves
These are absolutely an essential, especially in college. Walking to different buildings on campus in the bitter cold isn't fun. Wearing cute winter gear makes it a little better. I like to wear big chunky scarves so that when the wind blows I can just bury my face in the scarf and keep warm!

2.) Moisturizing Products
During winter, moisture is zapped from your skin. Winter can leave your skin feeling tight and gross. I love to use super moisturizing products to combat this because I hate the feeling of dry skin more than anything. Some of my favorites include the Nivea lip butters, EOS eggs, Olay Fresh Effects daily moisturizer, Organix Moroccan Oil for hair, The Body Shop hand cream, and basically any body lotion from Bath and Body Works.

3.) Hot Drinks
Whether it be hot chocolate, tea, or coffee, a hot drink is always an essential in winter. After coming in from the cold, a hot drink immediately warms me up. My favorites are chai lattes and hot chocolate.

4.) Good Books
Okay, so good books are actually an essential for ALL seasons but in winter I want to curl up in front of the fire with a drink and a book. It is the perfect way to spend an afternoon when it is too cold to go outside. I don't have any books in particular that I specifically read in winter but I've noticed that I tend to pick up longer books. Recently, I finished All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr (which was FANTASTIC btw) and would highly recommend it. Other books I've picked up include The Luminaries by Eleanor Catton, Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel, and Yes Please by Amy Poehler.

5.) Good Snow Boots
Winter means cold and lots of snow. If you're walking to class, snow boots are essential to surviving winter, so I would suggest investing in a good pair, especially if you live/go to college somewhere where snow is inevitable. I got a pair of Hunter boots for Christmas and they are seriously the best things in the entire world. I wear them with thick, comfy socks and they keep my feet warm and protected from the snow.

Hopefully some of these tips help make winter a little more bearable for those who hate winter (i.e. me). What are some of your winter essentials?