Caucasian man falling while ice skating on frozen lake. Photo: Spaces Images (Getty).
The winter months are no fun at all for the majority of us. This is not only due to the cold, unforgiving environment we usually find ourselves in, but everything that comes along with it. Everything from slipping on ice on the reg to keeping your hands and lips from getting dry and chapped is now an issue you face on a near-daily basis, and there’s simply nothing you can do about it.
Wait, did we say nothing? That’s a shame, because we meant to imply that their are really simple solutions in the form of the following winter life hacks. Not only will they keep you and your prized possessions warm and toasty, but you’ll actually come off looking clever by integrating them into your life. Does that sound like something you would be interested in?
Winter Life Hacks To Make You Look Smart
Just to get ahead of it, of course we left out putting chains on your tires. Everyone else has to drive on the same roads you do. You’ll just be creating summertime construction in the long run, and there’s no life hack to get around that.
The best life hacks are the ones that exist right under your nose: Products You Never Realized Have Built-In Life Hacks
Winter Life Hacks
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Tie-er Tracks
Biking to get around can become quite a nuisance during the cold and snowy months. Why not invest in a little insurance courtesy of zip ties to avoid tacking any added slippage and/or humiliation onto your trip.
cable ties. Photo: NorGal (Getty).
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You're An Alcohol Trick
For once, adding alcohol to the equation is a good thing...at least when it comes to seeing out your frozen windshield. Spraying a concoction of two parts isopropyl alcohol and one part water onto your window will have you seeing for miles (weather permitting, of course).
Spray Bottle. Photo: Kikovic (Getty).
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Got You Covered
Cover your side mirrors with a plastic baggie. This should keep ice from forming while you're away. You can do the same thing with your feet to prevent socks from getting all wet once you're indoors. And just to bring things full circle, socks are a great way to cover windshield wipers to keep the snow off. They're an even better way to keep your buns toasty on the can, if you're into that sort of thing.
Socks on Radiator. Photo: fotoimagic (Getty).
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Grin And Blanket
Curl up with an electric blanket to save on heating bills when your only aspirations for the day involve sitting perfectly still while also staying warm.
Young woman lying on living room sofa wrapped in blanket. Photo:Stanton j Stephens (Getty).
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Don't Let Dry Skin Win
Try taking shorter, cooler showers to not only maximize your own efficiency, but keep your skin from drying out. This tends to happen in the winter regardless, but that doesn't mean you have to go down easy. Wear cotton gloves while sleeping, as well, if extreme measures are needed.
Angry woman using a sking protection cream in winter. Photo: AntonioGuillem (Getty).
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Cold Feet
You might want to use a separate stick, but spreading deodorant on your feet will not only keep them warmer by preventing the sweat that ultimately cools them, but also keep them from blistering (as much). This, of course, depends on just how rigorous the activities you're engaged in are, but stop trying to poke holes where they don't exist. Leave that to our next slide.
young man applying deodorant to his feet. Photo: nito100 (Getty).
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Screw Shoes!
Sorry, we meant "shoe screws." Just be careful to remove them upon entering buildings. That's not your floor to scuff up. And for god's sake, don't attempt to put screws into the soles of your shoes while wearing them.
woman in elegant shoes stepping on peaked screw. Photo: no_limit_pictures (Getty).
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Sanitizer? I Just Wet 'er
Hand sanitizer is great for defrosting door handles and locks. If putting a little on your key isn't enough, just glob it onto the whole thing. However, be gentle. Frozen objects have a tendency to break easily, so finesse is key.
Hand Washing, using sanitizing gel. Photo: BSIP/UIG (Getty).
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You're In Hot Water
Or, more accurately, hot water is in you...r bed. OK, that may be accurate, but worded terribly. Your bed sheets can get awfully cold without your body heat warming them from the inside. When it's time to call it a day, throw some sealed bottles of warm water under the covers for a few minutes before zonking out. Your icy-to-the-touch limbs will thank you.
Sick man in his bed. Photo: Vincent Besnault (Getty).