Winter is here to stay for a long time. Unless we are millionaires, there is no way to escape it. With the state of the present economy, people you can normally afford to leave the country for a warmer climate during this season may not be able to anymore. If we are going to face the winter, we should make sure that we face it properly, wisely and appropriately.

Here are some handy tips to help get into top form for the harsh weather outside:

- Carry heat packs with you.

- Wear a hat as they traps in a significant amount of your body heat.

- To avoid chapping and bleeding of lips, keep them moisturized with lip balm.

- Moisturize your skin to protect it from becoming dry and itchy in extreme temperatures.

- Wear multiple layers of clothing to trap in heat and keep the body insulated.

- Wear a moisture-wicking fabric closest to your body to protect you from becoming cold. Wear water-resistant/ water-proof layer on the outside.

- Try to avoid wearing cotton, as it is a poor insulator.

- Take supplements such as vitamin C and zinc to boost your defence system.

- Use a humidifier if you live in a dry environment.

- Regulate room temperatures.

- Invest in quality winter jackets and winter boots.

- Have lots of herbal teas. Not only will they keep you warm, but they are beneficial to your immune system.

- Wear mitts inside your gloves if necessary.

- Buy thermal socks to keep your toes and feet warm.

- When you enter the house or office, make sure you remove your outerwear layers, hats, gloves and scarves because your body self-adjusts. By removing the exterior layers, you will feel warmer when you need to put the layers back on to go outside.

- Eat well-balanced, nutritious meals to enable your body to produce its own heat.

- Keep extra blankets, sleeping bags, a first aid kit, flashlight, batteries, change of clothes, fluids, non-perishable food, medicines, etc. in your car and house. In addition to these, in your care, keep anti-freeze, wiper fluid, sand, salt or kitty litter, a shovel, jumper cables and a can of pressurized flat-repair aerosol.

- Draught-proof your house.

- Take a hot water bottle with you to bed.

- Take a hot bath before going to bed.