This is NPR's Life Kit. I'm Sam Greenglass. The first snowflakes have fallen,

temperatures are dipping, and the days of pandemic-friendly park hangouts and

dining outside feel like they're fading quickly. But it doesn't have to be that

way. This episode had a bundle up and enjoy socializing outdoors even in the

winter. I live by myself, so I am constantly thinking about how to meet up with

friends, how do you meet up with my family without you know putting them or

myself in danger. So, and I am someone who hates the cold. Windapune is a

reporter for City Lab here in Washington DC. As a nation we're also facing a

loneliness epidemic, a mental health crisis. That's the pandemic has only

accelerated. There needs to be ways for people to interact with others outside

because it's hard. It's not something we can easily ride out. Of course, mask

wearing, social distancing, small groups, they're still important. No matter

where you get together, but public health experts say that during this pandemic

gathering outdoors is safer than indoors. And Pune says with a little know-how,

you can keep socializing outside no matter the weather. A big part of staying warm

is retaining the heat you've already got. You want to bring something warm to sit

on. We don't want to plant your butt on like a coal metal bench. You don't want to

plant your butt on the frozen ground. Grab blankets, a sleeping bag, or a foam pad.

Even toting along a piece of cardboard to stand on can make a difference. Very

luxurious, I know, but keeping warm can be a chance to splurge too. Pune says

don't feel guilty about scarfing down a few extra calories. They help generate

the metabolic energy you need to stay toasty. So you want something that's high

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