This recent post on Ask a Manager reminded me again of how difficult it is for a group of people to all be comfortable at the same temperature. Public buildings, including libraries, seem to be specifically designed to be either too hot or too cold. Sometimes I wonder if one cannot win the design bid without demonstrated proof that one can design a building specifically calculated to produce uncomfortable temperatures, but never a consistent, properly humidified average room temperature.
Musings aside, I have some experience in staying warm and want to share them. The most important thing I learned about personal temperature control is to experiment. What works perfectly for someone else might not work for you and what the "experts" insist is a bad idea may work perfectly. Educate yourself on the basics of how air insulation works, how the body regulates temperature, and the warming or cooling properties of various fabrics and then experiment.
I'm one of those people who's fingers and toes are almost always cold to the touch and who feel most alive and energetic in mildly humid weather that produces a thin sheen of sweat when one stays outside for more than five minutes. Over the years, I've experimented with staying warm in school and work buildings. Usually, not looking weird took priority over staying warm, so I didn't wear a winter coat and hat while everyone else was in t-shirts. I chose to shiver instead.
Now I am older and being comfortable is more important that what people think. Or perhaps more accurately, I have more control over my clothing choices and I have come to believe that one can be comfortably warm and [at least mostly] dressed like one's peers at the same time.
I first began to learn how to stay warm when I served in the Montana Conservation Corps. For the majority of May – October 2007, we camped in the mountains. If I remember correctly, one month my electric bill was $9 because I was gone so much. Anyway, being a person inclined to chilliness coupled with living in the woods at high altitudes equaled me being cold even more frequently than usual. When you are in the woods, there is no going inside to warm up. Even sitting next to a fire (assuming there isn't a fire ban) doesn't provide sufficient warmth. My front roasts and my back freezes and as soon as I move, my insides are cold again. Crawling into a sleeping bag did not warm me. More than ever, being cold in the woods for days at a time proved to me that no matter how many layers of clothing I put on or how warm the clothes, if I could not provide heat from inside of me, then the outside of me would stay cold. The good news was, if I could keep my outside warm, them my inside was slower to get cold. The bad news was, simply putting on a coat did not get me warm.
Through much experimentation, here are some things, in no particular order, that I have learned about staying warm. One note, I'm writing from a woman's perspective. Options for men may be different.
Musings aside, I have some experience in staying warm and want to share them. The most important thing I learned about personal temperature control is to experiment. What works perfectly for someone else might not work for you and what the "experts" insist is a bad idea may work perfectly. Educate yourself on the basics of how air insulation works, how the body regulates temperature, and the warming or cooling properties of various fabrics and then experiment.
I'm one of those people who's fingers and toes are almost always cold to the touch and who feel most alive and energetic in mildly humid weather that produces a thin sheen of sweat when one stays outside for more than five minutes. Over the years, I've experimented with staying warm in school and work buildings. Usually, not looking weird took priority over staying warm, so I didn't wear a winter coat and hat while everyone else was in t-shirts. I chose to shiver instead.
Now I am older and being comfortable is more important that what people think. Or perhaps more accurately, I have more control over my clothing choices and I have come to believe that one can be comfortably warm and [at least mostly] dressed like one's peers at the same time.
I first began to learn how to stay warm when I served in the Montana Conservation Corps. For the majority of May – October 2007, we camped in the mountains. If I remember correctly, one month my electric bill was $9 because I was gone so much. Anyway, being a person inclined to chilliness coupled with living in the woods at high altitudes equaled me being cold even more frequently than usual. When you are in the woods, there is no going inside to warm up. Even sitting next to a fire (assuming there isn't a fire ban) doesn't provide sufficient warmth. My front roasts and my back freezes and as soon as I move, my insides are cold again. Crawling into a sleeping bag did not warm me. More than ever, being cold in the woods for days at a time proved to me that no matter how many layers of clothing I put on or how warm the clothes, if I could not provide heat from inside of me, then the outside of me would stay cold. The good news was, if I could keep my outside warm, them my inside was slower to get cold. The bad news was, simply putting on a coat did not get me warm.
Through much experimentation, here are some things, in no particular order, that I have learned about staying warm. One note, I'm writing from a woman's perspective. Options for men may be different.
Eat. Even if I don't feel hungry in the "my stomach is growling" sense, eating at least a few bites every 90 minutes or so improves the ability of my insides to stay warm, thus helping my outsides to be warm. In sedentary jobs, I might drink hot tea with sugar instead of eating as often. The main thing is to find which foods or drinks help you to stay warm and consume them (in moderation with considerations for good health, of course). And when that coworker walks by and starts lecturing you about how eating fruit is so much healthier than eating crackers? Politely tell him that you are doing what is necessary to keep your body healthy and then don't let him bother you.
Fabric content matters. I am colder wearing three knit cotton/poly shirts (e.g. t-shirts), a cotton/poly hoodie, and winter coat than I am wearing a knit silk shirt (e.g. Terramar Sport Silks), a wool sweater, and a winter coat.
Layers matter. Simply wearing thin silk long johns on top and bottom under my clothes can move me from having muscles clenched so tightly I can barely control my movements to chilly, but not unbearably cold. Adding an extra tank (not cotton) over that base layer helps me stay even warmer.
Fit matters. Some people think large, roomy clothing is cozy, but for staying warm, more fitted clothing is ideal. Yes, you want to have freedom of movement and room to layer, but clothes meant for layering (e.g. blazers) are designed with that room in them. There is no need to buy a larger size unless you will be layering something unusually bulky under them. From my experience, a close fitting shirt and a more fitted winter coat are warmer than a close fitting shirt and a too-large coat. The same goes for any other layers. Larger does not usually equal warmer.
Socks material matters. After two hours in typical cotton socks, my feet feel clammy. If the rest of me is cold, this only makes me feel colder. There are affordable options for wool blend socks that are as thin as regular socks. Yes, wool socks are pricier than cotton, but they last longer and to me, are worlds more comfortable. When I wear wool socks, I can go all day without feeling clammy feet and when I take off my socks at night, they do not feel wet and limp the way cotton socks do after a day's wearing.
Sometimes the best thing to do is take off clothes. Finished giggling like a middle-schooler? Ready for me to explain? Good.
When you are shivering, the last thing you want to do is get even more cold, but sometimes it is the best thing to do to create warmth.
One time in Maine I was typically cold, so I sat down to build a fire, thinking to warm my feet. At first, I kept my socks on, but worried about scorching them finally took them off. Almost immediately my feet felt warmer. I have since experimented and realized that when my feet are cold, sometimes all they need are a breather and then they and I am warm when properly dressed again. In other situations, all it took was to change whatever clothes were closest to my skin. While layers matter, sometimes you have to take off clothes for a little while in order to be finally warmer.
Cover your head. Whether you use a hat, a pillow, a blanket, or a scarf, covering your head is one of the fastest ways to get warm. It is also likely one of the most work appropriate, after clothing considerations. (If anyone can take off their shoes while staffing the front desk, please let me know where you work.)
I know, I know. So many people think they look strange in hats. But remember, 1) it takes time to get used to seeing yourself wearing something new and 2) not all hats are created equal.
If you are wearing one-size-fits-all hats, then sure, they probably don't fit you correctly which would lead to them looking strange. Also, placement is important. A fedora worn an inch above the eyebrows will look different from one worn on the back of the head. Moreover, a hat will look different with your hair up than it will with your hair down. A bucket hat may be unflattering, but a beanie will be just the ticket. Experiment!
If you work someplace where appearances are less important, wrap a wool shawl around your head and shoulders. It keeps your head covered and warms your neck. Both pluses for staying warm.
Unlike a coat, a head covering will allow your arms to be unencumbered for working.
Wear a scarf. Scarves for indoor wear are all over the fashion blogosphere, so you shouldn't feel out of place trying this one. Can't stand a big, bulky thing around your neck? Try a narrow scarf out of thin material. Again, you may have to get used to seeing yourself wearing a scarf. I know that if I am wearing a bulky scarf, I need to make sure to knot it low so that it forms a long "v" shape on my chest. If I wrap it around my neck or tie it close to my chin, I look overwhelmed. Thin scarves, however, I can tie close to my neck. Experiment.
Use a personal heating device. Some of the comments on the original post talk about heated mittens and slippers that plug into USB ports. I find that a hot water bottle works beautifully. A heating pad is another alternative. I most often feel inside cold along my spine, so I put the heating device against the small of my back. I have also used the AC adaptor on my computer cord to warm my feet or back (the adapter is halfway up the cord, not near the plug). If you are uncertain where to put the heating device for optimum warmth, along the spine, under the arm near the armpits, or next to the groin are the places that warm me the fastest. Cradling a Nalgene bottle filled with boiling water (not the safest method for creating a hot water bottle) in the hip to body juncture was about the only way I could get warm while camping in the Montana mountains.
Fabric content matters. I am colder wearing three knit cotton/poly shirts (e.g. t-shirts), a cotton/poly hoodie, and winter coat than I am wearing a knit silk shirt (e.g. Terramar Sport Silks), a wool sweater, and a winter coat.
Layers matter. Simply wearing thin silk long johns on top and bottom under my clothes can move me from having muscles clenched so tightly I can barely control my movements to chilly, but not unbearably cold. Adding an extra tank (not cotton) over that base layer helps me stay even warmer.
Fit matters. Some people think large, roomy clothing is cozy, but for staying warm, more fitted clothing is ideal. Yes, you want to have freedom of movement and room to layer, but clothes meant for layering (e.g. blazers) are designed with that room in them. There is no need to buy a larger size unless you will be layering something unusually bulky under them. From my experience, a close fitting shirt and a more fitted winter coat are warmer than a close fitting shirt and a too-large coat. The same goes for any other layers. Larger does not usually equal warmer.
Socks material matters. After two hours in typical cotton socks, my feet feel clammy. If the rest of me is cold, this only makes me feel colder. There are affordable options for wool blend socks that are as thin as regular socks. Yes, wool socks are pricier than cotton, but they last longer and to me, are worlds more comfortable. When I wear wool socks, I can go all day without feeling clammy feet and when I take off my socks at night, they do not feel wet and limp the way cotton socks do after a day's wearing.
Sometimes the best thing to do is take off clothes. Finished giggling like a middle-schooler? Ready for me to explain? Good.
When you are shivering, the last thing you want to do is get even more cold, but sometimes it is the best thing to do to create warmth.
One time in Maine I was typically cold, so I sat down to build a fire, thinking to warm my feet. At first, I kept my socks on, but worried about scorching them finally took them off. Almost immediately my feet felt warmer. I have since experimented and realized that when my feet are cold, sometimes all they need are a breather and then they and I am warm when properly dressed again. In other situations, all it took was to change whatever clothes were closest to my skin. While layers matter, sometimes you have to take off clothes for a little while in order to be finally warmer.
Cover your head. Whether you use a hat, a pillow, a blanket, or a scarf, covering your head is one of the fastest ways to get warm. It is also likely one of the most work appropriate, after clothing considerations. (If anyone can take off their shoes while staffing the front desk, please let me know where you work.)
I know, I know. So many people think they look strange in hats. But remember, 1) it takes time to get used to seeing yourself wearing something new and 2) not all hats are created equal.
If you are wearing one-size-fits-all hats, then sure, they probably don't fit you correctly which would lead to them looking strange. Also, placement is important. A fedora worn an inch above the eyebrows will look different from one worn on the back of the head. Moreover, a hat will look different with your hair up than it will with your hair down. A bucket hat may be unflattering, but a beanie will be just the ticket. Experiment!
If you work someplace where appearances are less important, wrap a wool shawl around your head and shoulders. It keeps your head covered and warms your neck. Both pluses for staying warm.
Unlike a coat, a head covering will allow your arms to be unencumbered for working.
Wear a scarf. Scarves for indoor wear are all over the fashion blogosphere, so you shouldn't feel out of place trying this one. Can't stand a big, bulky thing around your neck? Try a narrow scarf out of thin material. Again, you may have to get used to seeing yourself wearing a scarf. I know that if I am wearing a bulky scarf, I need to make sure to knot it low so that it forms a long "v" shape on my chest. If I wrap it around my neck or tie it close to my chin, I look overwhelmed. Thin scarves, however, I can tie close to my neck. Experiment.
Use a personal heating device. Some of the comments on the original post talk about heated mittens and slippers that plug into USB ports. I find that a hot water bottle works beautifully. A heating pad is another alternative. I most often feel inside cold along my spine, so I put the heating device against the small of my back. I have also used the AC adaptor on my computer cord to warm my feet or back (the adapter is halfway up the cord, not near the plug). If you are uncertain where to put the heating device for optimum warmth, along the spine, under the arm near the armpits, or next to the groin are the places that warm me the fastest. Cradling a Nalgene bottle filled with boiling water (not the safest method for creating a hot water bottle) in the hip to body juncture was about the only way I could get warm while camping in the Montana mountains.
More important than doing what someone else does to stay warm is to experiment and discover what does or doesn't work for your body. Stand by what you learn; don't be intimidated by others' comments. Do you freeze when you wear close-toed shoes but are most comfortable when wearing sandals and a ski hat? Don't let anyone laugh you into being cold. Do wool socks give you blisters? Then wear cotton and try changing them two or three times during the day.
Of course, you need to be aware of what is appropriate for your work environment. You need to be able to do your job and project the image required by your position, but try to think creatively. Find out if what you think are rules really are rules. If your manager tells you that you can't wear ski hats, find out if it is the hat or the style of hat that is the problem. Maybe she will let you wear a beret instead. She doesn't think sandals are appropriate? What about peep-toe dress shoes? Of course, don't be contentious, but also don't consign yourself to being uncomfortable without first seeing if there is an acceptable solution.
Above all, educate yourself and experiment. Find what works for your body in various situations. Be open to change. Believe that there is a way to stay warm, that it's only a matter of finding it.
Of course, you need to be aware of what is appropriate for your work environment. You need to be able to do your job and project the image required by your position, but try to think creatively. Find out if what you think are rules really are rules. If your manager tells you that you can't wear ski hats, find out if it is the hat or the style of hat that is the problem. Maybe she will let you wear a beret instead. She doesn't think sandals are appropriate? What about peep-toe dress shoes? Of course, don't be contentious, but also don't consign yourself to being uncomfortable without first seeing if there is an acceptable solution.
Above all, educate yourself and experiment. Find what works for your body in various situations. Be open to change. Believe that there is a way to stay warm, that it's only a matter of finding it.
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