Reducing static in the winter

With the increase of cold weather, we are seeing the increase of fireplaces, wood burning stoves, heater usage, etc.
In my house, that means more static, dry skin, cracked lips, and dry nasal passages!

So what do we do? Extra dryer sheets in the dryer, dryer balls, WOOL dryer balls, lip balm, lotion, vapor rub under the nose…

Here are some additional tips:
Use a humidifier. Running a humidifier in your home will add moisture to dry, heated air. The moist air will help keep your skin, mouth, and nose lubricated, and helps prevent those nasty static shocks. Your goal is to aim for a comfortable home humidity level of between 30% and 50%. Don’t crank up the humidifier higher than that, though, or you could develop another problem — mold, fungi, dust mites, and other tiny critters. Make sure to keep your humidifier clean so that it doesn’t send dust and germs spewing into your house.

Seal your home. Prevent the cold, dry air outside from paying you an unwelcome visit. Insulate your home so you don’t have to turn up the heat. Close any air leaks in doors, windows, attics, and crawl spaces with caulk, spray foam, or weather stripping. Sealing off air leaks will also help you save money on your monthly heating bill, because you’ll feel warm and cozy enough to turn down the thermostat a few notches.

Hydrate often. Keep your skin and mouth moist by drinking water throughout the day. Don’t like water? Try putting in a little tea or juice to add flavor.

Shorten your showers. Long, hot showers might feel great on frigid winter mornings, but the heat and steam can really dry out your skin. Turn the water temperature down to warm — not hot — and use a gentle soap. Get out as soon as you’re clean, or under 15 minutes, whichever comes first.

Moisturize. Rub a thick oil-based moisturizer onto your skin frequently each day, especially after you take a shower or bath. The oil in the product will lock moisture into your skin and keep it from drying out. Moisturizers come in different forms, but ointments will provide the most protection for dry skin. Make sure to apply moisturizing sunscreen with SPF 30 to exposed skin before going outside. Also apply a lip balm or petroleum jelly to protect against chapped lips. Help keep your nasal passageways moist by using salt water (saline) drops or rubbing a little petroleum jelly into each nostril gently with a cotton swab.

Although humidifiers are often an easy fix, they can be costly to purchase, and running them day and night can send an already high winter energy bill soaring even higher.
Don’t have a humidifier? Looking for alternative or additional ways to increase moisture in the air?

Get Houseplants. Moisture evaporates from the leaves and stems of plants, adding humidity to the air in your home. Be sure to keep them well-watered.

Put Vases in Sunny Places. Water filled vases put in the window sills will slowly evaporate releasing moisture into the air.

Cook on the stovetop. Increase your stovetop cooking to not only take advantage of incidental moisture release while increasing the warmth in your house. And of course, using a tea kettle for your morning cup helps.

Showering with the door open. Leaving the door open is an easy way to add a little extra moisture to the air. If taking a bath, leave the tub filled when you get out for a little longer to take advantage of the residual heat that will add a little humidity to the air.

Place bowls of water on registers. You may be surprised by how much water is released during cold months when the furnace is on full blast. Place a metal or ceramic bowl of water on heat registers, radiators, or near heater vents to push humidity into the air.

Dry clothes on racks. I usually do this in the summer time to save on dryer usage but using a rack to dry clothes at room temperature during the winter releases moisture into the house as well as saves on the utility bill.

Are there other hints and tips you’ve come across that work? Share your information here!

Staying hydrated during the winter

Dehydration occurs when your body doesn’t have enough fluid to function properly. While there are a number of factors that affect how much water you need in a day, the average adult needs roughly 100 ounces of water on an average day. It’s possible to get dehydrated when it’s cold outside, just like it’s possible to get dehydrated when it’s hot outside.

• It’s important to stay hydrated during colder weather. Simply remembering to drink more water can help prevent dehydration in the winter. Drink water and replenish fluids, especially after or during physical activity.
• Don’t rely on thirst to tell you when you need to drink water. Make a point to drink a certain amount of water each day.
• Eat your fruits and vegetables! You can get water from the foods that you eat. Not only are fruits and vegetables good for you, but they also help you stay hydrated. Eating homemade soups made with seasonal vegetables and herbs can also help you stay hydrated while providing warmth and nourishment to your body.
• If you find it difficult to drink water when it’s cold outside, drink warm beverages like decaffeinated hot tea, herbal tea, or hot cider.
• Always have water with you. A reusable water bottle can help keep you hydrated year-round. If you normally carry water with you during the summer, continue the habit through the winter.
• Avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks that can cause dehydration.
• Wear layers of breathable fabrics instead of heavy-duty woolens to minimize water loss caused by perspiration.
• You can also fight dehydration by growing indoor plants like peace lily, English ivy, snake plant and Boston fern that can naturally humidify a room.

Recognize the signs of dehydration. This can help you remember to drink more water and stay hydrated. Thirst, dark-colored urine, dizziness, fatigue, headaches, muscle cramps, and dry skin can all indicate dehydration.

Stay safe, warm, and hydrated this winter!