Earlier this week there was a knock on my door and winter rudely barged in and announced her arrival and intent to stay a while. Sure, there are a few days here and there she will supposedly be visiting her needy mother, but on the whole it seems she has settled herself in for the long haul. I refuse to spend my life savings (not much, considering I'm 24 and have student loans) to stay warm this winter, so instead, I am trying these 27 tricks to beat the cold.
- Footie pajamas. I'm telling you, these are a gem that we should never have labeled uncool in our teen years. They're super warm, and if you're like me and have a small puppy that needs to go out regularly, they eliminate the need for socks.
- Speaking of dogs, spend some quality snuggle time with your favorite Fido. They'll love the attention and you'll love how warm and snuggly you feel inside and out.
- Long johns. Yes, I know they're nerdy and uncool, but they definitely do the trick for keeping you warm when you must be in street clothing. If you can't get past it, consider leggings.
- If you're baking anyways, open your oven door while it's cooling down. Just be sure to monitor pets and small children carefully.
- Eat hot, stick to your ribs food. Maybe this is more mental than physical in some ways, but I find that oatmeal, grits, hearty soups and casseroles leave me feeling much warmer.
- Embrace the sun in the day time and open your curtains.
- Stuff towels in crevices and look into improving your insulation. It won't fix everything, but it can't hurt either.
- Close curtains at night to hold in heat.
- Take a hot shower or bath.
- If you're taking a hot shower, leave the doors open and let the warm steam heat the rest of the house.
- Run your dryer during the coldest parts of the day.
- Close the vents in little used rooms. This will help concentrate the heat to areas that actually need it. Shut the doors to these rooms as well.
- If it's an option, make a fire. We definitely enjoy the one at my parents' house, even though we can't yet make one ourselves.
- Switch to flannel sheets.
- Use a neck soother that has been heated in the microwave. These are great for muscle stiffness, but can also help to keep you warm while you read or watch TV.
- Make yourself something hot to drink.
- Avoid getting cold in the first place. If you are going outside, wear appropriate clothing, particularly a hat. You can also invest in those little heat pouches that go in your shoes and gloves for super cold days.
- Keep warm blankets on your sofa.
- Avoid using ventilation fans. They suck up warm air alone with smells. Candles can take care of smells without taking out warm air.
- Use your ceiling fan to help to circulate warm air.
- Make sure your air filters are all in good working condition.
- Keep yourself healthy and active. I know it's tempting to curl up on the couch with nothing but hot chocolate and a warm blanket for the next three months, but in the long run this really won't do you any good.
- Change any damp or wet clothing immediately. This includes your sweaty socks.
- Have friends over. Studies show that company makes you feel warmer, and extra bodies in your house add at least a little warmth.
- Invest in a space heater for super cold days.
- Consider getting a new roof or windows. The initial investment is pricy, but it can save you thousands over the course of a few years.
- Curl up close to those you love.
How do you beat the heat on cold days?
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