Keeping Warm This Autumn

By Randi Morse

It's that time of year again when the cold weather starts to blow in. While the autumn months can be beautiful, and the relief from the heat is needed, it can be extremely frustrating to feel like you're freezing all the time. Your first instinct may be to turn up the heat, but do you really want to spend more money on heating costs than you must? If you are feeling a bit chilly this fall, here are a few tips that will help you to stay warm and cozy. 

More Clothes 

I know, I know. Your parents were always telling you to bundle up instead of turning up the thermostat. Well, it turns out that they were right. It's far easier to raise your body temperature than it is to raise the temperature of an entire room. It's also more eco-friendly. So before you turn up the thermostat, try putting on a few more layers. I always keep a few big, bulky sweaters in my closet just for occasions like this. And who doesn't love fuzzy slipper socks? 

Time to Get Baking 

Unlike in the summer months, the autumn is a fantastic time to do a little baking or cooking. One of the biggest reasons we grill most often in the summer is because the oven and stove both both heat up the kitchen. Although you may not want to heat your kitchen during the summer months, it's an ideal solution for warming up in autumn. Imagine making some deliciously hearty soups and baking some zucchini or banana bread. If you're worried that you'll bake more than you can eat, use the freezer! Having some frozen soups that you're able to warm up during the winter can make a weeknight meal much easier. Make sure that once you're done baking that you leave the oven door open for a while; this will allow you to make the most of the oven's heat. 

Coffee, Tea and Cocoa 

We tend to look at coffee as a life-affirming beverage that helps us to wake up in the morning. Coffee is not only good for helping you to wake up, it's a great option if you're cold. Not a fan of coffee? Any hot drink will do, including tea, hot chocolate and even hot cider. The autumn is a fantastic time to indulge in some hot cider, just don't forget to add a cinnamon stick! 

Ceiling Fan 

It may seem strange to think about using your fan to warm up your home, but that's exactly what it will do. If you set your fan to run in a clockwise direction and turn it on low, the fan will push the warm air that has risen to the ceiling back down into the rest of the room. You may be surprised at how much warm air is rising to the ceiling and out of your home before you have the chance to enjoy it. 

Staying warm in the winter not only makes you more comfortable, it helps your body to stay health. When your body doesn't have to focus on warming you up, it can then focus on maintaining all of the other important bodily systems. 

For more tips on staying healthy and warm this winter, visit The Joint Chiropractic: North Little Rock, Ark.