5 Things You Need to Know to Survive the Cold Winter

This week, we’ve had a small taste of the Canadian winter. New international students here for their first winter are already panicking and – truth be told – so are more senior students. If you don’t already have a winter coat, it’s time to get one. In the winter, the temperature here can easily go down to -40° so here are a few tips to help you survive. Take your pens and make good note the following!

1) Follow a regular sleep schedule: I realize that this task is almost impossible for us students, but we will have to bring ourselves to do it one day or the other. We might as well adopt a healthier lifestyle and plan for 7 to 8 hours of sleep. It will also help us to focus better during our classes!

2) Don’t forget to drink water: The idea of getting free pizza is clearly a more exciting prospect. But it’s important not to neglect what our body needs so we don’t die of dehydration. Don’t forget that it’s just as easy to get dehydrated in the winter as it is in the summer.

3) Take vitamins: Obviously, there are few opportunities to soak up the sun during the winter months, therefore fewer opportunities to produce the vitamin D our body needs. It is recommended to take a vitamin D supplement every day (despite students’ notoriously chaotic days) to address vitamin D deficiency.

4) Dress properly: Instead of only wearing a winter coat, you’re best to layer your clothing (e.g. wearing a t-shirt under a sweatshirt, under a vest, under a coat…). I know it’s not very pleasant, but it’s very effective. At least, when you go from the icy cold outside to the warmth of buildings and classrooms, you’ll be able to take off the extra layers and stay in a t-shirt!

5) Stay active: My least welcome piece of advice, I know. But staying active will help you produce antibodies that will prevent infections (most of them, at least). In addition, it will help you manage stress, especially during your exams!

To preserve your precious health, try to follow these little guidelines as much as possible. To function well, the world needs healthy little human beings. “May the odds be ever in your favor”!