The coronavirus situation is very bad and getting worse. We all need to avoid, as much as we can, being indoors with people who are not from our households, but...

It's getting colder
We're getting lonely
It's nice being outside and getting sun
Moving around feels good

HI THERE EVERYONE!!!! It's Rachel, a social epidemiologist living in Minnesota with some tips for you, YES YOU, on how to be outside (socializing or exercising or whatever) in the winter!

Tagging some epi and ID people here who are both talented athletes and are super tough when it comes to cold ( @bcmartinson, @faye_epi, @Ddrekonja). They may also want to chime in with tips.

Me though? I am neither athletic nor tough...

... but I do spend a fair amount of time outside every single day in the winter in MN, between walking or biking to @wbob, and going on daily runs.

I'm hoping that wimpy me with my mediocre constitution +frank lazinesscan inspire some winter curmudgeons to give it try!

First, let's be clear, in most of the US it's just not that cold in the winter on most days. (Rachel's "not that cold" is > 20F.)

O hi New York!! Hi Boston!! Hi Chicago!! I hear your "But, but, buts... " starting. No. You are just not appropriately prepared for stepping outside.

NEWASFLASH: It's easy to be outside comfortably for an 30-60+ min when it's (Rachel-defined) "not that cold!" Here's how...

First, you need to set yourself up for success! If you are cold before you step outside, you are starting out behind. If the last hour indoors has been sedentary for you, walk around your house a for a couple minutes, put your hands on a mug with hot water in it.

Think of your body as a heat generating engine. It is hard to stay warm when your engine is low on fuel. So before going out make sure your stomach isn't totally empty and you aren't dehydrated.

You think snowpants seem silly for grown-ups. Wrong, they are quite mature and responsible because they allow you to spend safe(r) time with friends during the pandemic.

Gloves seem to make your hands handy. YOUR HANDS DO NOT NEED TO BE HANDY! They need warmth. Use mittens!

Layers 101: The more you are moving the fewer layers you need.

For instance, if it's 20F and I'm sitting still outside talking to a friend for an hour, I might put on snowpants.

If I'm walking to work, if it's anywhere above -5F I'll combust if I'm wearing snowpants.

You can create a comfortable outdoor sitting/socializing/chilling-out environment! Fire pits are great, grab a hot beverage, wear snowpants, and maybe even use a microwavable seat cushion or outdoor blanket. Toasty! https://www.amazon.com/Vesture-MicroCore-Heated-Cushion-Green/dp/B07YLX94RZ/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=microwavable+seat+warmer&qid=1604959845&sr=8-2

Running outside in the winter is easier than you might think, because you generate so much heat when you run. You know you are dressed right for a run if you are a bit chilly for the first ~7-10 min. If you aren't, you'll probably be overheating 15 min into your run.

Occasionally if the streets seem very icy, I'll run with YakTrax. They work really well for traction and won't mess up your gait. https://www.amazon.com/Yaktrax-Traction-Cleats-Walking-Small/dp/B001CZJIPA/ref=asc_df_B001CZJIPA/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=198069371999&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=8278017936174429013&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9019657&hvtargid=pla-401235997844&psc=1

(They work fine when stepping on cleared sidewalk too. But keep them outside, walking inside with them will mess up your floor.)

Now on for the FAQs!

"Rachel, do I need special or expensive stuff stuff like Merino wool, down, etc.?"

Naw. I've purchased much of my winter wear on clearance or secondhand. And I don't wear down or wool at all (or leather) even on the very coldest days.

"Rachel, my hands/feet just gets really cold!"

Fingers and toes are more trouble for some of us. When I used to have a longer bike commute I'd use chemical hand or foot warmers when it was -10F or lower they help a lot. Also, good boots, socks, and mittens help!

But seriously, my friends, this is going to be a long and challenging winter if you do it all indoors. Embrace the great outdoors!

(Also tagging just a few Canadian epidemiologists, because it gets actual-cold in Canada! They may have secrets too! @robertwplatt, @Larry_Svenson, @EpiEllie, @JessHainesPhD, @LaurenAnneWise, @AndreaGruneir)