Relief in the Dry Winter

Winter can play havoc with our bodies and our homes. The cool, dry air can cause houses to pop and shift, heating bills to jump, and skin to dry out. It can also cause static build up that can make laundry a pain, literally. The people of the prairie knew how to overcome this burden, so here's my techno twist on some prairie wisdom.

Even a small humidifier can add needed
moisture to your home with little
maintenance. 

1. Use a humidifier - Ever notice that in movies about "the old days" that there is always a pot of water boiling on a log stove? Nothing dries out a house faster than pumping heat into. Replenishing the moisture is necessary to maintain the humidity level. While we can still boil water, running a humidifier is a quick and easy to way to fill your home with moisture. It will help prevent the house from shifting and settling, and it will also help your home heat faster and more evenly so there is less of a need to raise the thermostat. Adding humidity to your home will also ease respiratory ailments. Many new humidifiers have monitors that check the humidity of your home so you can adjust it up or down. Remember that too much humidity can induce mold, but keeping it at 40-50% is ideal.

2. Use 100% cotton towels and clothing - Ever pick up a microfiber towel only to discover an "icky" feeling? Microfiber and fleece are made from recycled plastic bottles. When they are washed, they break down so they can absorb fats and pollutants. That "icky" feeling is the microfiber absorbing the oils from your skin.  Using cotton towels and wearing cotton clothing will help you keep the natural oils on your skin and allow your skin better air exposure. Cotton also does not build up static charge like polyester does.

3. Drink, drink, drink - Just make sure what you drink is water! Prairie people depended on water for their primary beverage, and this should still be the case because the body hydrates best from the inside out. Since the skin is the last organ to receive water and nutrients, it takes more water to make sure the skin gets enough. Caffeinated beverages like soda act as diuretics, so it's important to flush out the caffeine with an extra glass of water.

4. Use natural products to moisturize - Synthetic lotions and creams are not the best at moisturizing because in order to prevent bacteria growth, they contain alcohol which in turns increases the drying effect. To get the full benefit, use a natural moisturizer like coconut oil which can be applied to your skin to sooth dry spots and hair to prevent frizzies. A little dab will go a long way!

5. Greenify your surroundings - If you love plants, this is the perfect time to get some. Keep plants indoors helps to prevent static in your home by adding moisture. As an added benefit, certain varieties, such as Boston Fern, palm varieties, and spider plants, can help purify the air, and they are safe around pets and children.