How to survive a winter in Toronto

Now that the cold weather is here I thought I'd share some of the ways in which I battle winter in Toronto. Even though I grew up in the far north, I never really got used to the cold... so this is a list of things I do to stay warm in body and in spirit... If you have any tips to share feel free to add!

1. No complaining! At least not out loud... Curse on the inside, but don't tell anyone you're freezing or how much you hate the weather. If you're a complainer, you only make it worse for yourself (and those around you :-)

2. Embrace winter - go tobogganing, skiing, skating, cycling... anything which can be done outdoors with a little snow on the ground. There is no greater reminder that you are alive than by exposing your body to freezing cold temperatures.

3. Acclimatize - Wear slightly unseasonable clothing during the Fall... If other people are wearing a jacket, wear a sweater... in sweater weather, wear a t-shirt. Before you walk outside into the cold air, take a deep breath and brace for it... as soon as you feel the cold, exhale loudly and swallow a tribal scream.

4. Dress in layers - we spend a lot of time moving in and out of cars, buildings, transit, etc. Dressing in layers makes it easy to shed when it gets too hot.

5. Waterproofing - This part of the country seems to get a lot of rain before the snow comes, and when the snow finally does come it turns to slush. Waterproof footwear is a must... rubber boots are ok but lack insulation... Goretex (or similar) is the best, but if you don't want to sacrifice fashion for function then get a bottle of watterproofing liquid and spread it on your shoes... I use Nikwax and it's like wrapping your feet in latex.  For the body, I wear a waterproof shell on the outside with layers of fleece or wool underneath.

6. Mind the humidity and wind - the most uncomfortable temperatures are below zero with 100% humidity and/or wind above 15kmh, but wearing the right layers will protect you.

7. Eat right and mind your nutrition - Your body needs green vegetables to battle the cold.

8. Get to know Seasonal Affective Disorder... take a Vitamin D supplement.

9. Get plenty of exercise - this is known to increase your immune system and keep your spirits up!

10. Take daily immune supplements BEFORE you get sick - Vitamin C is cheap and difficult to overdose on.  Zinc is also good to add to the mix.  I've been taking Probiotics for 2 years and haven't had so much as a sniffle.

Good luck!