The winter survival guide for all of us cold-blooded creatures.

I don’t know about you but winter just seems to slow me down.

Everything takes longer. Finding the motivation to leave my warm bed and get started, self-talking my way out of a hot shower and getting dressed for the day (layers upon layers upon layers!) Then at the end of a long day it can seem like it takes forever to reach your comfy place. You’ve got to locate your slippers, rug up in the dressing gown and wait for the kettle to boil for a tummy-warming cuppa. Ugh!

Add to that the winter health hazards like colds and allergies and if you’re like me, you’re counting down the days till summer. So, I got to thinking, there’s got to be smarter ways to handle the deep freeze. Here are my suggestions:

1. Leave your toasty supplies in one place.

Before you leave for work, put all of your feel-good stuff in the one place, meaning that as soon as you walk through the door you’re not searching for slippers and dressing gowns to warm up. If you’ve got a helpful significant other or housemate, call ahead and ask them to put the kettle on in anticipation for your homecoming. Just be prepared to return the favour.

2. Set up your environment.

Did you know that the air inside your house can be up to five times as polluted as the air outside¹? Fireplaces, burning candles, fumes emitted from cooking are just some of the contributors of indoor air pollution that a lot of us can relate to in winter! Add to that the fact that most of us are keeping windows and doors closed to preserve heat and the air quality can begin to feel pretty stuffy.

As a handy fix for all of this, the Dyson Pure Hot+Cold Link purifier not only purifies your air but is a heater (and fan) too, making it pretty darn special for those of us who suffer from those dusty, exposed heating elements². It’s also safe for those of you with mischievous kids - no exposed heating elements means no burning of little fingers.

The Dyson Pure Hot+Cold Link purifier is the smarter way to control the temperature at home and even features an intelligent night mode which purifies and heats the room using the quieter airflow options. I’m not saying that it will cure a snoring partner but surely it may help if they’re breathing decent air, right?  You can also monitor and control the quality and temperature of your room using the Dyson Link app via your phone.

3. Sign up for some fitness (anything!).

Most of us tend to lose motivation in the winter months when it comes to our health and fitness. The idea of getting out of bed earlier than needed or doing laps around a cold oval at night is a little less than appealing. But actually winter is a great time to focus on your fitness. Summer bodies are made in winter, right?

Typically the gyms are quieter (and indoors, and heated so there’s no excuse there) meaning that you’ll get your pick of the equipment and classes and you’re less likely to pick up all of the nasty office bugs doing the rounds if you’re looking after yourself. Plus, there’s more motivation for you to get moving quicker and warm up those muscles! (If you’re really smart, look got a gym with a sauna or spa for a reward after your workout).

 4. Experiment in the kitchen.

Summer is generally the time when we get our barbecues out and indulge in fresh fish and salads, but winter can really bring the goods when it comes to eating. Plus, it doesn’t have to all be filled with heavy comfort foods (although there’s a place for that too - let’s not be hasty!).

Look into some new recipes like soups and casseroles and do your household a favour by investing in a slow cooker. There is nothing like coming home to a house filled with delicious smells knowing that dinner is already made and all you need to do is find yourself a comfy place to enjoy it.

5. Adopt a European approach.

If you want to know how to ‘do’ winter properly, you only need to look to our European friends. As we all know, it gets pretty chilly over on their side of the world. But do they complain? No way, they embrace winter for all it has to offer! And if you’re smart that means a whole new approach to comfort. Familiarise yourself with some mulled wine recipes and stock your pantry up with the finest Belgium chocolate for some seriously impressive hot chocolates. Just make sure you don’t forget the marshmallows for the top. If you’re going to do winter, do it properly!

How do you do winter? Share your tips with us in the comments section.

This content was created with thanks to our brand partner Dyson. 

¹Centre for Australian Weather and Climate Research.
²Particle capture tested to EN1822. Gaseous capture tested to JEM 1467 (acetic acid, acetaldehyde, ammonia) and GB/T18801 (formaldehyde, benzene) and DTM-003282 (NO2). Gaseous capture rates vary.