Aging Backwards Tuesday Tips # 29: Keep Warm, Inside and Out

The "Winter Blues" affect millions of people all over the world. An even more severe form of the "blues" is called Seasonal Affective Disorder(SAD), in which symptoms become debilitating. Those symptoms include lack of energy, depression, increased need for sleep and weight gain. About 70 to 80 percent of SAD sufferers are women, usually over age 30.

Don't let the frosty temperature and shorter days of winter get you down. Try these tips for staying warm, cozy and comfy and feeling good, even in winter. If you feel you may be suffering from SAD, check with your doctor.

Aging Backwards Winter Tips

1) Get a good hat. A large percentage of body heat loss occurs in the head region, so it's vital to keep your head covered. Check out the "World's Best Winter Hat." According to their Web site, you can wear it six different ways and it comes in eight different colors.

2) Warm your insides with soup. Stay warm from the inside out with these great soup recipes from O, The Oprah Magazine.

3) Eat at home. Cooking and eating at home will keep your oven and stove going, which will add extra heat to your living space.

4) Exercise. What a great way to multi-task - get warm, take care of your heart, tone your body and increase your serotonin levels (feel-good hormone) all at the same time.

5) Add gloves and a scarf to your wardrobe. Gloves and woolly scarves are excellent additions to any winter wardrobe. They can look great while helping to keep you warm. I even wear mine indoors ... why not?

6) Drink hot green tea. Get your antioxidants and warm up your insides with green tea. Studies show that drinking green tea daily can protect against heart disease. In another study of 133 heavy smokers who are exposed to DNA damage from smoking, drinking four cups of decaffeinated green tea daily for four months reduced the signs of DNA damage by 31 percent. Read the whole article here.

7) Put down a rug or carpet. Covering cold wood floors or tile with rugs and carpet can keep your feet, and the room, warmer.

8) Get cozy with your pet. If you have a dog or cat, snuggle up. Their fur and body heat will help you stay warm and your pet will love the extra attention.

9) Try a humidifier. Warm mist humidifiers can make a room feel warmer because they boil water before expelling it into the air. The humidity does wonders for your skin, too.

10) Take a warm bath. Taking a warm bath will raise your body temperature and keep you warm, while also relaxing you. Relaxation is conducive to Aging Backwards.

By following these simple tips, you can stay warm and comfortable and you may even beat the "Winter Blues" this year.