Ten Things I have Learnt about Surviving the Cold:

It's taken 12 years for this Australian boy to finally admit that he has to take care of himself in this cold New Zealand environment. And it's been a run of debilitating colds that have humbled me.

I'd like to share some of the things I have learnt that works to keep yourself well in a cold environment.

1. Wear thick dry socks - keep your feet warm
2. If you sit at a desk, make sure you are resting your feet on a carpet, preferably rubber backed
3. make sure you have enough warm clothes on - even indoors!
4. Make sure you have great underwear! Thermals help you layer your clothes to suit the temperature
5. try and warm the room up that you are working in.
6. Dry cold is totally different to Wet cold - wet cold clings to you and goes right into your bones - Dry cold is bracing, but you can warm yourself quickly from this state. Be really, really careful on Wet cold days!
7. A scarf helps you to keep your neck warm - the Chinese believe that the neck is susceptible to letting in chills to your system and they protect that part of their body in cold conditions
8. A hat stops heat loss from the top of your body - wear one on cold days - even inside if it's really cold!
9. Soups with ginger and garlic, drinks with ginger & honey really warm you and help you boost your water consumption - essential when you have so many bugs to flush through your system - push the fluids!
10. cuddling is really good for the heart and soul- especially when it's with someone you love - warm beds warm your body and your soul - blankets wrapped around you in cold places offer great comfort....and protection

I hope you find something in this list that helps you be strong and resilient during this winter!

Email Mike...