Never after a meal. Avoid caffeine or nicotine before beginning. These are stimulants, which may increase your heart rate and cause your blood vessels to constrict. This places extra stress on the heart. Drink plenty of water.
Dehydration is just as big an issue in cold winter months as it is in the summer.
Warm up your muscles before shoveling, by walking for a few minutes or marching in place. Stretch the muscles in your arms and legs, because warm muscles will work more efficiently and be less likely to be injured. Warm up your muscles. Do a few stretching exercises so that the work doesn't come as a shock to your system. What to Do Pick the right shovel for you.