It’s December and the cold is officially here! And if you’re a construction worker, delivery driver, law enforcement officer, telecommunications expert, or anyone else, chances are you are going to have to brave going out in the cold at some point. For some of you, you may even have to work in it, which can be quite a chilling experience if you are not prepared! To help make sure you are ready to take on the cold and not let it slow you down, follow these 7 tips that will help keep you warm this season!
1. Hot shower before work.
Before heading to work, it may be beneficial to take a hot shower. This helps to raise your body temperature and gives you a warm start to your day. Make sure to cover yourself quickly and dress in warm clothing as fast as possible to retain the heat.
2. Dress warmly and wear layers of clothing.
When preparing for work and getting dressed, make sure to dress appropriately and wear layers of clothing designed to keep you warm. Make sure to cover areas that may lose heat rapidly such as your head, feet, and hands.
Learn more about what winter workwear you should choose in this blog post!
3. Use heating packs.
Grab some hand and feet warmers to slip in your gloves or boots for an extra boost of heat when you need it.
Shop heating packs!
4. Keep dry.
One of the fastest ways for your body to lose heat is if your clothes get wet. Moisture can draw heat from your skin and quickly make your body temperature drop. To prepare for this, wear a moisture-wicking base layer to absorb sweat from your body and bring a spare set of clothes you can immediately change into if needed.
5. Eat healthy food and drink warm liquids.
Eat healthy foods throughout the day to make sure your body has the fuel it needs to be able to produce heat to keep you warm. It’s also a good idea to bring a thermos filled with a hot drink with you to work. Sipping on this throughout the day can help warm you up. Avoid caffeinated beverages and alcoholic drinks because they can dilate your blood vessels, making it easier for your body to lose its heat.
6. Work in pairs or huddle with other people if possible.
When working, try to work with other people. Not only can this help keep you warm as you can share body heat by working close together, but it can help you stay safe as well. Working with additional people can help you stay alert, and alert or assist each other in case of emergencies. It can also help you accomplish tasks quicker by working together. A win-win situation.
7. Take breaks in warm, dry shelters.
Finally, remember to always take a break while you are working in the cold to give yourself a chance to warm back up before going back out into the cold. Taking a 10-minute break for every 2 hours you work is a good rule of thumb. Make sure to find a warm and dry place to take your break at and to move your arms and legs to get your blood flowing.
