My friend Dave posted this on the Toronto Couch Surfing forum and it’s useful advice so I thought I’d share.
* How To Survive A Winter In Toronto…
1. No complaining! At least not out loud… Curse on the inside, but don’t tell anyone you’re freezing or how much you hate the weather. If you’re a complainer, you only make it worse for yourself (not to mention those around you 
2. Embrace winter – go tobogganing, skiing, skating, cycling… anything which can be done outdoors with a little snow on the ground. There is no greater reminder that you are alive than by exposing your body to freezing cold temperatures.
3. Acclimatize – Wear slightly unseasonable clothing during the Fall… If other people are wearing a jacket, wear a sweater… in sweater weather, wear a t-shirt. Before you walk outside into the cold air, take a deep breath and brace for it… as soon as you feel the cold, exhale loudly and swallow a tribal scream.
4. Dress in layers – we spend a lot of time moving in and out of cars, buildings, transit, etc. Dressing in layers makes it easy to shed when it gets too hot.
5. Waterproofing – This part of the country seems to get a lot of rain before the snow comes, and when the snow finally does come it turns to slush. Waterproof footwear is a must… rubber boots are ok but they have no insulation… Goretex is the best, but if you don’t want to sacrifice fashion for function then get a bottle of Nikwax and spread it on your shoes… this stuff is like wrapping your feet in latex. For the body, I wear a waterproof shell on the outside with layers of fleece or wool underneath.
6. Mind the humidity and wind – the most uncomfortable temperatures are below zero with 100% humidity and/or wind above 15kmh
7. Eat right and mind your nutrition – Your body needs green vegetables to battle the cold.
8. Get to know Seasonal Affective Disorder… take a Vitamin D supplement.
9. Get plenty of exercise – this is known to increase your immune system and keep your spirits up!
10. Probiotics – I’ve been on this stuff since November and haven’t had so much as a sniffle.
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I’d also add…
#4
Hat (touk, beanie whatever you want to call it) is essential, keep your ears warm too, and your neck. and water-proof gloves. Oh and a scarf. The key is to ensure that all normally exposed parts are covered.
A big jacket is no good if cold air is rushing underneath it and gets caught inside the big jacket. So seal up them exposed areas and you’re good to go. Layers are definitely a great idea.
Thermals, get some thermals.
#11
There’s LOTS of fun things to do indoors also:
- play board games with friends n CS’rs,
- host movie nights
- pot lucks,
- music jams,
- yoga
- twister,
- write those letters/postcards that you’ve been meaning to write but never got around to (your loved ones will really appreciate it). Sending and receiving hand-written and posted feels so much more special than emails and e-cards don’t you think? (if you want some absolutely beautiful hand-made cards talk to our own Mary about her stuff)
- karaoke
- guitar hero party
- read that book you’ve been meaning to read
- yummy brunches at home with friends
- volunteer at a worthy cause
- have sex to keep that blood circulating and the body warm 
SO MANY things to do!
Happy snow and windchill season Torontonians!
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