Sometimes, life hands you lemons, and other times it hands you a broken HVAC or drafty apartment in the dead of winter. If you’ve found yourself in a place without adequate heating for whatever reason, try not to worry because you can get through it until the problem is fixed. Here’s how:
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Mastering the Art of Layering
Clothing is your first line of defense when the thermostat isn’t cooperating. That means pulling a move straight out of a 90s sitcom dad’s wardrobe and piling on the layers until you resemble a well-stuffed burrito.
Start with a snug-fitting base layer that hugs your body’s heat – long-sleeved shirts and leggings are great. Then add a sweater, maybe two, and top it all off with a thick hoodie if you’re feeling extra chilly. Don’t forget your feet: wool socks or insulated booties can make a night-and-day difference when your floors feel more like an ice rink than a living room.
Accessory Allies: Thermal Gloves and More
It might feel a little dramatic to wear gloves indoors, but these aren’t just any gloves. Picture yourself scrolling through social media with toasty hands instead of frozen fingers that can barely tap the screen.
There are plenty of winter accessories out there, but thermal gloves for women (and men—let’s be honest, warmth knows no gender) are a game-changer if you’re seriously struggling with frigid fingertips. Pair them with a fuzzy beanie to keep heat from escaping through your head, and you’ll be surprised how quickly the rest of your body follows suit.
Hot Drinks and Steaming Meals
Never underestimate the power of a warm cup of tea, coffee, or hot chocolate. When your insides are cozy, it’s easier to forget that your home’s interior temperature is flirting with subarctic levels. Soups and stews not only heat you from within, but also fill your kitchen with steam, helping to nudge the humidity levels up a notch.
Breathing in that warm, savory vapor might trick your senses into thinking you’re at a spa. If you’re feeling particularly fancy, go for a homemade hot toddy—just be careful not to drift into full hibernation mode.
Harness the Sun (Even When It’s Cold)
Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean the sun disappeared. It’s still hanging out somewhere behind those clouds, so make use of daylight whenever you can. Open the curtains in rooms that get direct sunlight, and let those rays pour in. Even a few degrees of difference can feel like a victory when you’re living without a traditional heating system.
The trick is to remember to shut those curtains as soon as the sun dips, trapping whatever warmth you managed to collect throughout the day.
Embrace Your Inner Social Butterfly
Sure, it’s tempting to hide under seven blankets until spring. But if you’re struggling to keep warm, consider inviting a few friends over. More people means more body heat – just try not to blame your living room’s “arctic vibe” for the invitation.
Put on a board game marathon, serve some steaming cups of cider, and watch how a bit of laughter and collective body warmth can turn a frigid hangout spot into a cozy den of camaraderie. If your pals are game, you can even share a potluck of warming comfort foods, combining forces for a full-blown anti-cold extravaganza.
Whatever winter throws at you, you can survive and stay warm!
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