The best thing about winter varies depending on who you ask. For some, it’s grabbing the skis and hitting the slopes. For others, it’s time spent with family during the holidays. For others still, it’s sitting by the fire with a cup of hot cocoa.
You often hear the word “cozy” associated with winter, and in order to be cozy, you have to be comfortable. You’re not going to feel very cozy if your feet are as cold as blocks of ice. Here’s how to stay cozy this winter.
A warm house
Most people feel like they can only really get comfortable when they’re at home. If your house is drafty and frigid, it’s going to be hard to unwind. Older houses tend to have more problems with insulation, but it’s not too late to call the experts and add some insulation to your home. You don’t want to create heat just to have it seep out of your home and into the cold air.
Speaking of creating heat, do you have a fireplace? Some folks love to sit by a crackling fire, while others get uneasy because it’s, you know, fire. Both are perfectly normal reactions. You may not need a fireplace if you have central air, but you will probably need a space heater or two for your house. It’s nice to stick a space heater in your bedroom or bathroom, or even in the living room where you watch TV. Just be careful about the kind of space heater you select. Read reviews and watch out for any models that don’t last long or get too hot, as those can be risky to have inside your home. And make sure to follow the instructions in the box.
You’ll also want to dress appropriately for the season. You may have heard, “Dress for the job you want,” but trust us when we say that philosophy doesn’t work nearly as well for the weather. Layers are usually best. Buy a warm hat, warm gloves, and a scarf. Before the first snowflake falls, check on last year’s winter coat and see if it can make it another year. If you live in a place that gets a decent amount of snow, don’t forget to go winter boot shopping as well.
And a warm bed
Your bed is supposed to be a refuge. It’s where you prepare your body for all the work you’ll need it to do the next day. Chances are, you’ll need to add another blanket or two to get through the winter months. If you’re comfortable using an electric blanket, then plug it in and go for it.
You may also want to look at the pillows on your bed. You can’t always use the same pillows in summer and winter. It’s quite possible that a therapeutic water pillow will be an even more welcome addition to your bed in the winter months.
Does cold weather cause your joints to act up? A comfortable water pillow can soothe those aches and pains.
It can be hard to find the right mix of “too cold to sleep” and “so hot you have nightmares.” If your blankets are thick, you may not need to sleep in long-sleeved pajamas, for instance. Make some adjustments until your body’s thermostat is happy. When you reach that point, your bed will feel so warm and inviting that you’ll wish you could stay there until March.
Cover art: Youne.com . Inset: Pencilpaperscissors.com .
