Take heed-winter is not over. It will not end for another two months. If you’ve been struggling through it and you think this warm spell is the answer to your prayers, you’re wrong. You’d best learn now how to fend off the ramifications of your chosen location.

Here are some winter tips I have learned over the years, mostly from my folks’ immigrant practicality and some from other places.

Warmth

Cold is like an uninvited guest, a vampire, and any chunk of under-layered or (heaven forbid!) exposed skin is a welcome to this merciless beast! It is imperative you do all you can to keep it out and away. Exposure to the cold puts a strain on the body. While it’s busy staying warm, it cannot fend off invading infections. Give your body a hand and cover it up right.

Layering

Start at the bottom. Layers close to the body are a sure way to retain body heat. Wear undershirts or camisoles and TUCK THEM IN! Tucking keeps the heat your body makes from escaping.

One place that seems hard to layer is the bottom. Long johns are one option (be sure to tuck them into your socks) but can feel bulky. I suggest tights under pants. Though this is a thin layer, proximity to the body is key. Also, tights cool down more quickly when you come inside, so you won’t feel suffocated and sweaty in class.

Say you don’t want to give up the sassy skirts during the winter months. Have no fear. Slips under skirts are good insulators. Specialty stores often sell wool tights, and for those really mean days, take this tip from my grandma-put on underwear and tights as usual, then put another pair of underwear over the tights. This is snug and cozy and will keep that crotch warm.

Wool

Wool is much warmer than cotton or acrylic fibers, probably because it comes from animals, and biology usually knows what it’s doing. Take advantage of this! Mohair, angora, wool, cashmere, camel, alpaca, etc. are all your allies against the wind and cold.

Outerwear

Scarves and hats are a must. Your head and chest are the most vulnerable places not only in the gladiator arena but also in your battle with winter. Keep these places covered, and the heat your body creates will work for you. Also, coats should cover your bum. When your coat stops at the waist, you are playing with the risk of waistline skin exposure. Sometimes your jacket can pull up your sweater and that belly or low-back is at the (un)mercy of the elements! Besides, your butt is a big muscle with lots of skin. Keep it warm and most of your trunk will stay warm too.

Like Enhances Like

In Ayurveda, the ancient Indian medical science, one rule says, “Like enhances like.” Stay away from cold foods and beverages. These are counterproductive to your body’s mission for warmth. Think tea and hot cocoa instead of iced soft drinks. At the bar, ask for a hot toddy instead of an ice-cold Heineken. Same with food. Ice cream is the enemy this season, but you can have your fill come May.

Spicy food will also help you this season. It clears sinuses and keeps those entrails warm!

Dryness

Colder air means drier air. And drier air means dry skin. This is not only cosmetically unappealing, it can be a health risk. When the skin on your knuckles cracks for instance, infection has a new place to invade the body. Here are my tips for staying moist:

Shower less. Yes, the shower is a warm cozy place to be first thing in the morning, but the hot, hard water strips your skin of its natural oils which are working overtime in the winter to keep your skin healthy. So take shorter showers, or just take them less often. The same goes for hand washing. Every time you wash anything, moisturize immediately.

Drink water. Consuming water will keep the insides of you moist as well.

Vaseline. This is an under-appreciated, cheap tool in the battle against dryness. At bedtime, smear some Vaseline on your hands and feet, and cover both with socks. During the night, your skin will soak up the grease and skin will turn baby soft. Most hand lotions aren’t greasy enough to do it right. A+D Ointment, which is used for diaper rash is also fantastic.

Vaseline II. Dry air does a number on sinus tissue. As it dries out, mucus may be produced to compensate or the tissue may just get swollen. This is uncomfortable, but it also leads to snoring: your nose gets dry, mucus and swelling block airway, sleeper breathes through mouth, throat dries out-snoring occurs. This can be combated with a humidifier, but the cheap way is with Vaseline. Apply it to the inside of the nostrils with your pinky finger just before turning out the light. Same for the lips.