5 Unique Tips for Warming Up During the Chilly Months

Has it been a cold autumn, a freezing winter, or a damp, cool spring and you're having trouble warming up? Or, is it warm in your house but at the expense of high heat bills in your mailbox? If you've already tried other methods but still don't feel warm enough, here are 5 unique tips for staying warm that just might do it.

Use Warm Packs (Corn/Rice Bags)
Of all the methods, this is one of my favorites. For the inexpensive price of a small square of fabric, a few yards of thread, and some rice, beans, or dried corn, you can create a bag that will do wonders at warming your skin, chasing away the chill, and helping you stay warm. If you'd rather not make them, the bags are available ready-made, online or in catalogs. During the day, microwave a small bag or two for your pockets. Use larger ones for your shoulders or lap. At night, place warm bags under the covers at the foot of the bed. This will create toasty toes, and thereby translate into a toastier night's sleep. (Caution: Please use common sense and avoid warming the bags to the point where either fabric or skin might burn.)

Put on Wool Socks
Other articles mention wearing double socks to keep warm, and that may work, but it's hard to fit into a pair of shoes wearing two pairs of socks. Unless you plan to wear slippers all day, a much better method is to wear wool socks. Wool keeps the feet warm and wicks away the perspiration. Watch for wool socks on sale, and get an even bigger savings while staying warm.

Wear Leg Warmers
All the rage in the 70s and 80s, leg warmers are seen less often in retail stores today. They are still available online, though, especially at sites that carry dancewear. Since most people sit near a computer with the fan blowing cold air on their ankles, leg warmers are a boon to staying warm. However, unless you want to look like you're still living in the days of disco, don't wear them on the outside of your pant legs, but wear them underneath. They'll warm the ankles faster that way, too.

Eat Warm Meals
Although this suggestion might seem like common sense, how many people actually eat three hot meals a day? Warm foods and liquids heat your core, so they're a great help in warming. But ... perhaps you feel there's no time to cook a warming breakfast. Do it the easy way, and warm a muffin/toast/bagel in the microwave and have it along with a cup of hot chocolate. Put dinner into the slow cooker before leaving for work, which will not only provide a warm meal when you return, but will put a little warming heat in the kitchen while only using a small amount of electricity. While at work, try warming a cup of soup in the break room for lunch.

Hand Wash the Dishes
Most people rinse their dishes before placing them in the dishwasher, so try hand washing them instead. Not only does this save on electricity, but also, keeping your hands in hot water will help with warming them ... and give a steam facial in the process.

Whether it's a cold autumn, an icy winter, or a chilly spring, these 5 unique tips for staying warm will help beat the chilly-willies. In addition, as a bonus, you can save money on utility bills by keeping the thermostat lower.

Other tips and hints by this author:
Tips, Hints and Smart Ideas that Make Life Easier: How-to Advice on Kids, Pets, Life in General
Five Ways to Disinfect, Sanitize or Clean a Sponge
How to Make Homemade Waterless Hand Sanitizer

Sources:
Embedded links as listed above.
Personal experience.