It’s winter here in the northern hemisphere, and as usual, there’s heating-related one-upping on the internet. Who can have their heating off the longest. Who is the last to crack. Who has their heating on as low as possible. Who has their heating on for a couple of days. Who doesn’t turn their heating on till it hits zero. Etc., etc. ,etc.

I’m not sure where this competitiveness came from, and although there are some benefits in terms of global warming and cost, there’s a huge disadvantage that doesn’t get talked about much: depression.

Some mental health professionals will ask if you’re a member of a gym, and not because of the benefits of exercise, but because of the benefits of a sauna. Keeping warm is one of the easiest and best things you can do for your mental health, especially if you have any kind of depression. While a sauna isn’t for everyone (I personally can’t stand the idea because I hate being too hot and sitting around with strangers!), there are plenty of other things you can do.

I don’t know about you, but being cold makes me miserable. And even if you can’t afford to have the heating on all the time in winter, or you live with someone who doesn’t see the benefits of having it on, there are other things you can do to keep as warm as possible.

Have a hot bath, do some cleaning, hell even star jumps work. Keep yourself moving if at all possible, and make sure you do enough to take care of your warmth, even if it’s just putting a pair of thick socks on or blowdrying your hair after you wash it. If you like hot, spicy food or hot drinks, these are instant quick comforts. If all else fails, try to go to a warm public place or visit a friend’s.

Are you good at remembering to keep warm? Are you a heating-always-on kind of person?