Tips, Hacks And Tricks For People Who Feel Cold Practically 24/7
I've always been one of those people who really feel the cold. In the summer, I always dread the winter and during winter, I long for those long, hot summer days.
And because I live in a place where warm weather is pretty hard to come by, I am usually shivering, my teeth often chattering, and I will more often than not be covered head to toe in multiple layers of thick, warm fabrics (shout-out to wool, am I right?).
I just figured I must have pretty bad blood circulation, but luckily, there are a bunch of things that people in my position can do to keep as warm as possible and here are some of them:
1. Get yourself a heatable mug
Credit: sabrinafossi.com
Drinking hot beverages is a very quick and effective way of warming up when you've got the chills. But it gets even better than the actual contents of the mug - you can also get this mug, a mug that warms your hand while you're holding it.
"The concept focuses on our natural tendency to hold our cold hands close to a tea mug in order to warm them," the makers of the mug write on their website. "The ergonomic, enveloping form of the handle keeps the heat in so your both your drink and your hands are kept toasty. Now, tea, coffee, and hot chocolate are all that more satisfying! ToastyMUG looks beautiful also on the table."
2. Wear extra layers underneath your pants
Credit: Pexels / Oleg Magni
It's not just on your upper half where you can indulge in extra layers. If your legs are particularly sensitive to the cold, why not wear a pair of leggings or tights underneath your pants?
3. Check your iron levels are where they should be
Credit: Pexels / Pixabay
Consistently having cold hands and feet is a common symptom of iron deficiency. And why is that? Well, iron helps your body carry oxygen to your hands and feet and so if your body is lacking this important mineral, less oxygen will be delivered.
Iron is found in foods like meat, fish, beans, spinach, tofu, and cereals, so eating more of these foods might help if you are deficient in iron. Alternatively, you could also take iron supplements instead.
4. Wear sandwich bags on your feet
Credit: packaging2buy.co.uk
When we're feeling extraordinarily cold, it's usually our hands and feet that suffer. And the problem is particularly severe for our feet when it's raining or snowing and they get completely drenched. It may sound silly, but protecting your socks and feet with sandwich bags is a great way to ensure they stay warm.
5. Purchase an electric blanket
Credit: Amazon
If you keep piling on extra layers of blanket in a bid to stave off the cold, just admit defeat and get yourself an electric blanket.
6. Consume more complex carbs and whole grains
Credit: Pexels / JÉSHOOTS
Complex carbs and whole grains such as quinoa and oatmeal can also keep your body warmer if you eat them fairly regularly.
"Because of the fibre, whole grains and other complex carbs like potatoes and lentils require more energy to break down than simple carbs like cookies and white bread. This process not only keeps you fuller longer, but because the body is working so hard to digest your food, it may also increase body heat," registered dietitian and nutritionist Lauren Minchen explained to Eat This, Not That.
7. Get yourself a space heater
Credit: nisbets.co.uk
Radiators often break down so you might want to think about getting a space heater. You'll find plenty on sites like Amazon.
8. Eat more spicy food
Credit: Pexels / Pixabay
If you notice you break into a sweat when you eat spicy food, there is a reason for it. True to its name - eating hot food literally warms you up.
9. Give your clothes a spin in the dryer before you get changed
Credit: Pexels / Roman Tymochko
It can be pretty cold in the morning and so before you get dressed for a new day, it might help give you a bit of extra warmth if you toss your clothes in the dryer for a quick spin. It's also a great incentive to finally get out of that hot shower and bring yourself to get changed.
10. Wear two pairs of socks
Credit: Pexels / Snapwire
Like I said earlier, it tends to be our feet and hands that bear the brunt of the cold. So to protect your feet from the freeze, put on an extra pair. No one will ever know the difference.
11. Blow-dry yourself
Credit: Pexels / Gratisography
For some temporary relief from the plunging temperatures, have some hot air blown in your face using a hairdryer. There have been many times already this winter where I have just sat on the edge of my bed after a shower a blow-dried myself all over.
12. Get a heated mattress pad
Credit: Pexels / stressnomore.co.uk
Heated mattress pads are very practical for a warm night's sleep. Just place it on the mattress, plug it in and it should work like a charm.
13. Work out/move a little
Credit: Pexels / Keiji Yoshiki
Being active, particularly if it involves cardio, is known to get your blood pumping, thereby keeping you warm. You don't even have to go to the gym or go for a jog outside - just do a few jumping jacks, jogging on the spot, and burpees.
14. Get some Sprigs Earbags
Credit: openair.co.uk
Unlike your standard earmuff, Sprigs bags are lined with fleece and fit around your ears. They're also very practical as they fit inside your pocket.
15. Cuddling
Credit: Pexels / Ana Maria Moroz
Extra body heat is one of the most effective ways in which to warm up if you're feeling chilly. So if you have someone to cuddle with, take advantage of it.
Honestly, guys, if you're in the same as me, always freezing that is, then try some or all of these tips!