As I made the obligatory trek from north to south once again this season in preparation to start school, my thoughts are with my fellow northerners and the extreme cold they have endured (and will inevitably continue to endure) during these winter months. So, in memoriam of the frozen north that I’ve left behind, I’ve compiled a list of the best things to do to keep you warm this winter season, whether you seek out the cold, or whether the cold finds you…

1. Layers

Totally underestimated by the inexperienced, but there is no better way to combat the cold then by wearing as much clothing as possible. Wear layers. Wear a lot of them.

2. Hats and gloves especially

As long as we’re on the subject of clothing, I might as well iterate the importance of a good pair of gloves and a nice warm hat. In the cold, your body constricts certain tiny blood vessels. That’s why the little guys like your ears and your fingers will get super cold first and foremost and are in real danger of frostbite. A good hat and gloves can do wonders.

3. A good pair of boots

It goes without saying, but as extremities, your feet will also get cold first. The tricky thing with the feet is that they are that much more prone to come into contact with wet, slushy snow, leaving them even colder than other parts of your body might be. A good pair of waterproof boots will give you traction on snow and ice and help keep the cold out.

4. Hot chocolate

As cliché as it might sound, nothing warms the body up like a nice cup of hot chocolate, especially after an extended period outdoors. The mix of chocolaty flavor with the warmth of a piping hot cup does a body good.

5. Hot anything

To be honest, any sort of hot drink or food will do it for you. For some people, that’s coffee or tea. Maybe a nice hot sandwich. Whatever it might be for you, a nice injection of hot food or liquid is definitely pleasant, especially on the coldest of winter days.

6. Intermittent breaks indoor

This one again is super important if you’re in dangerously cold temperatures. If it at all possible, spend at least short periods of time indoors, rewarming yourself. Honestly, it would probably be better to just totally avoid going outside, but if you must, make sure you break up your time in the extreme cold.

7. Hand warmers

Last, but not least, hand warmers will tie it altogether for you. Strange little packs of gel, even the tried and true northerner will probably admit to you they don’t totally know how they work, but slip a couple of these guys in your pockets and you’ll have your own transportable pouch of warm, wherever you go.