13 Weird but Genius Ways to Keep Warm This Winter

Old Man Winter is coming, and there's nothing worse than being cold. Most of us have our tried-and-true methods for staying warm when the temperature starts to dip—like wearing layers or cranking up the heat—but what about when those methods just aren't enough? Here are seven weird but genius ways to stay warm this winter that you may not have thought of.

1. Use hand warmers. You can find these little packets of heat at most sporting goods stores. All you have to do is open them up and they'll start generating heat. Pop one in each pocket and your hands will be nice and toasty all day long. Just make sure you don't accidentally leave them on and burn yourself!
2. Make your own hand warmers. Hand warmers are great for when you're out and about and need an extra boost of warmth. You can buy them pre-filled with chemicals, or you can make your own using rice and a sock. Simply put some rice in a clean sock, tie it off, and microwave it for 30 seconds. Voila! Instant hand warmer.
3. Invest in a good pair of socks. This may seem like an obvious one, but it's worth repeating because it's so important. Cold feet can make your whole body feel cold, so make sure you've got a good pair (or two) of warm socks to help keep them insulated.
4. Wear socks to bed. It's not just your body that loses heat at night—your feet do too! Wearing socks to bed can help keep them warm and toasty all night long. And there's nothing better than slipping into a pair of cozy socks on a cold winter day.
5. Drink lots of hot beverages. Hot chocolate,herbal tea,coffee—whatever your preference, indulging in a steaming cup of something delicious is a great way to help stave off the chill. Plus, it's the perfect excuse to cozy up with a blanket and take a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Just be careful not to burn yourself!
6. Wear a scarf. A scarf isn't just a fashion statement; it's also a great way to keep your neck and chest warm. If you don't already own one, now's the time to invest in a cozy scarf that you can throw on whenever the temperatures start to drop.
7. Put tin foil behind your radiators. This may sound strange, but it really works! By placing tin foil behind your radiator, you can help reflect heat back into the room instead of letting it escape through the walls.
8. Take shorter showers. We know, this one definitely isn't as fun as taking a long, hot shower when you're feeling cold, but trust us—it'll help! Prolonging your time in the shower will actually make you feel colder when you get out because it'll cause your body temperature to drop too much too quickly. So keep your showers short and sweet if you want to stay warm this winter.
9. Take a hot bath or shower before bed. Taking a hot bath or shower before bed has two benefits: it warms you up and it helps you relax so you can fall asleep more easily. Win-win! Just be careful not to make the water too hot—you don't want to risk burns or dehydration.
10. Make sure your home is well-insulated. This is another no-brainer, but it's worth mentioning because it can make such a big difference in how warm (or cold) your home feels during the winter months . If you live in an older home , there's a chance that insulation has settled over time and is no longer effective . In that case , it may be time to invest in new insulation or window caulking. Keeping heat from escaping should be one of your top priorities if you want to stay warm this winter.
11. Invest in a heated mattress pad. You'd be surprised how much of your body heat is lost through your mattress at night. A heated mattress pad can help alleviate this by providing a warm surface for you to sleep on. You'll stay warmer all night long—and who doesn't love snuggling into a warm bed?
12. Invest in a good pair of boots. Good boots are essential for winter weather since they keep your feet dry and warm even when there's snow on the ground. If you don't have a good pair of boots yet, now is the time to invest in them!
13. Put on a beanie. Beanies are great for keeping your head and ears warm, and they look cute too! They come in all sorts of colors and styles now so you can find one that fits your personality perfectly.
    

These are just a few ideas to help get you started; there are plenty of other ways to stay warm this winter besides cranking up the heat . So put on your thinking cap, get creative, and beat Old Man Winter at his own game!