As a Minnesotan, I know a thing or two about cold. While we might not be able to brag about having palm-tree framed sunsets or easy access to the ocean, Minnesotans do have one thing that the rest of the country does not: namely, a comprehensive and total understanding of how to deal with the cold. Usually our ability to withstand negative-degree temperatures goes unnoticed, but with the current cold weather sweeping the country, I feel like sharing a few tips about surviving a deep freeze are not just timely, but necessary.

One of the first things that you need to keep in mind during extra cold weather is that your day-to-day routine will not be the same when its cold as it would be when warmer weather is afoot: mindless actions such as driving to work or picking out an outfit now have to take into consideration such factors as ice, snow, and salt. Make sure to allot extra time to dig out your heavy sweaters and to drive slowly, as roads will most likely be icier than usual and accidents will be more prominent.

In addition to taking more care and time in your daily routine, it is important to also pay attention to your body in the colder climate. Dry skin and chapped lips are common side effects of chilly weather, so be sure to stock up on quality lotion and chapstick. You should also be aware of the Mayo Clinic-approved warning signs of frostbite, which include bright red skin tone (for early stages of frost bite) or blue-white skin tone (for later stages of frost bite), a tingling or numb sensation in the effected areas, and blistering. If you experience any of these side effects, make sure to contact your doctor and get inside to gradually warm up ASAP!

All in all, cold temperatures can be fun. After all, when else can you build a snowman? However, it's important to stay safe in chilly weather, so keep these tips in mind while you're building your next icy outside creation!