Keeping warm is a basic need we all share. As we go into winter’s chilliest months, we present few tips for keeping cozy.
Dress in Layers
Bundle up. Wear long sweaters, and even caps indoors. Wear a cap or hat to keep your head warm. If you’re headed outside, cover your face with a scarf.
To avoid getting overheated inside, wear layers. Polyester or silk fabric will work better than cotton.
Keep your feet warm
Wear “house slippers” indoors, having the rubber sole really makes a difference. And warm socks! A soft, cozy pair worn to bed keeps my feet toasty warm, and as long as my feet are warm. Keep changing your socks! Everybody forgets that your feet sweat, and that can make you cold even though you are layered up.
Warm feet and hands really do help you sleep better. So, whether it’s socks or a warm tub, make sure your feet aren’t frozen when you get in bed or you’ll have a hard time falling asleep. See this post on warm feet, better sleep.
Heat up your bed
Don’t turn up the heat for the entire house. A cheap and safe option may be a hot water bottle with a wool or fleece cover. Fill your bottle with hot water from the faucet before going to bed and slip it into the foot of the bed between the sheets. By the time you’re ready for bed it’s all nice and toasty at your feet. Believe it or not the water bottle stays warm all night long.
Or use rice! Put the rice in a fleece cover, then warm in the microwave. It will stay warm half the night and keep your toes comfortable.
Harness the sun
During the day, open the blinds and curtains on the south-facing windows—and let in the warming sunlight. At night, close the blinds and curtains to better insulate your home.
Keep the kitchen cozy
Put a cast iron pot of water with liquid potpourri on the top of our cast iron stove. This increases the humidity in the room and puts a lovely smell in the air. Drink lots of tea, coffee or hot chocolate. Bake something in the oven, either dinner or a dessert.
Block drafts
Don’t forget to put something at the bottom of outside doors—you can just feel the cold air pour in. You can buy a fancy roll or just use a blanket or towel. Make long round pillows to place against doors and window sills.
Stay active
Keep as active as possible to boost your circulation. Move around at least once an hour and avoid sitting still for long periods. Even light exercise will help keep you warm. When you do sit down, put your feet up as it’s coldest nearest the ground.