Kristen is a Washington, D.C.-based freelance writer and homebody. She specializes in home and lifestyle content, and loves helping others live their best lives at home and beyond. Romanticizing her life since 1987, you can probably find her sipping on iced coffee, crushing a Crossfit workout, designing her next dream space, or blasting Taylor Swift.
Those of us who live in cold weather environments know the challenge of staying cozy without having to pay astronomical bills in the winter. Yes, there are a thousand ways you can renovate your home to help make your heating more efficient, but that doesn’t help you right now. This post is about practical tips and small purchases that can help you stay warm today without a renovation.
If you live in one of those places where the weather is 80 degrees all year you might want to skip this post. Better yet, read it so you can survive when the weather drops to 65 degrees. We kid, warm weather dwellers. Believe me, all of us want to be you right now (and all year long).
Read on for our best tips are keeping cozy this winter season.
Don’t knock it ’til you’ve tried it!
I am always cold so my family purchased me the above heated blanket for Christmas. I use it every day. Modern day heated blankets have shutoff timers and overheat limits so they are totally safe. I use my heated blanket to keep warm while I am snuggled up on the sofa or sitting at my desk. The heated blanket keeps you from knowing really your furnace is turned down.
Make sure you keep the doors shut to rooms you do not use during the day or night. This will help your heating source focus on the areas where you are spending time. This is called zone heating. Zoned heating is your friend in the winter because it maximizes the heat where you are.
There is no need to heat your guest bedroom or unfinished basement if the rooms are not being used. This will force all the heat into the rooms that you do use.
If you really want to be proactive, shut the vents to your bedroom during the day and open it back up about an hour before you go to bed. At bedtime, shut your living and kitchen area vents.
Oil-filled heaters are the safer version of space heaters to use in your home. They do take a little while to heat up but they do warm up a space effectively, especially if you shut doors to maximize the space. Even though they are the “safer version,” you still need to be careful. Make sure you spend a little extra money for one with a timer and an overheat shutoff for safety reasons. You do not want to leave them on overnight or while you are away from home. They can be warm to the touch so like any space heater, it may not be good with little kids.
An electric fireplace with high BTUs can really warm up a space. These are more expensive than space heaters, but most are safe to touch for the littles in your home. They are also very safe and efficient to run for long periods of time. I am getting impressed with the stylish options available these days.
Switch out curtains with thermal curtains or attach thermal curtain liners to your existing curtains. Windows can be the largest source of cold air entering into your home. Thermal curtains can help keep the cold air insulated.
Hanging a curtain over your exterior doors can be stylish and help your house feel warmer in the winter.
During a sunny winter day, let the sun in to warm your home. When the sun is down, shut them to insulate the cold air.
If you have a two-story home use a thermal curtain and tension rod at the top of your stairs. Close the curtain the times of the day when you spend most of your time downstairs. Why? It is simple, hot air rises and the closed curtain can keep the hot air downstairs.
Maximize the usage of your oven as long as you can. After you use your oven, keep the door open while the oven cools down. Of course, not the best thing to do if you have little kiddos hanging around.
Warm up a heated rice bag in the microwave and place it under your sheets. This is a safe way to keep your toes warm at night.
Find this heating pad set on Amazon
Your outlets and light switches can be a source for cold air to get into your home. This is true especially if you live in an old home where the walls are not insulated. If you live in an old home with original plaster walls…this applies to you. This fix requires no rewiring or electrician skills. You just need a screwdriver to take off the face plate.
Use rice and fabric remnants to create a cute insulated window sill or door draft stopper
If you have hardwood floors, rugs can help with cold floors. Check your local carpet store for remnants if you are on a budget. If there is no room in the budget for a rug, lay a blanket on the floor while you are hanging out in your living room.
Heat exits your body from your head so keep yourself warm by keeping a cute winter hat on your head while you are home.
Like your head, heat exits your body from your feet so keep them insulated.
Fight the cold in the bathroom by warming up your towels while you shower. They also work for bathrobes.
Give your living room a fresh look by rearranging your furniture away from your windows. If the furniture in front of your window only fits one way, move your seating away from the window a least 6 inches and execute tips 6, 8, 13, and 20.
Don’t sacrifice your coziness for a piece of furniture over a vent. Rearrange your furniture to unblock the vent. Not possible? Purchase a vent attachment or extender.
These plastic window insulators can help your windows feel like a more expensive window. If done well, the insulator really isn’t super noticeable. They are easy to install and remove. All you need is scissors and a hair dryer. Most of the instructions tell you to install the plastic over your outer trim. I was able to install the plastic on the inside of the window trim behind my window treatments. These are a great solution for large windows with no window treatments.
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
When you have depression — something I experience without fail every single winter — it can feel hard to take care of yourself, even though that’s exactly what you need. Some days, everything but leaving the comfort of your bed can seem insurmountable, and it can feel impossible to attend to even basic needs.
Depression can take away your ability to carry out your regular self-care routine, but other mental health conditions can impact this, too. If your nerves are frazzled, you may feel too anxious to do anything but worry. If you’re reliving trauma, you may feel too sad or even unworthy of any self-care. And even if you’re not dealing with a diagnosed mental health condition, a bad day can absolutely put self-care last on your priority list.
For more content like this follow
It’s a buzzword that’s been tossed around the last few years, but self-care really does work. Whether it’s taking an extra-long bubble bath or hitting the gym for a much-needed sweat session, research has proven that self-care has the power to improve well-being, lengthen lifespans, and decrease healthcare costs, as one 2021 study shares.
But if you’re not exactly feeling like yourself these days, and poor mental health is getting in the way, self-care might seem impossible. As a year-round self-care devotee, I get realistic about my ability to carry out certain routines while I’m experiencing winter depression. I know I won’t have as much energy to practice the same level of self-care that I do in July. So, I dial it down and make it more manageable — but I still make it a priority, even on my worst days.
These are some low-lift (and bonus: low-budget) self-care ideas that help me while I’m in the throes of depression. What’s effective for me might not vibe with you — and that’s OK, because every person needs to figure out the self-care tactics that work for them. But these will hopefully inspire you to weave some easy self-care into your day, even if you’re struggling.
Reading has long been a soothing activity for many, but speaking for myself, sitting down with a lengthy book can easily overwhelm me if I’m depressed. If your idea of the ultimate act of self-care is reading a thick book, by all means, have at it. But if you’re like me and can’t fathom the idea of tackling a book, make your goal smaller.
For example, I have an entire shelf in a closet dedicated to my favorite childhood books. When I’m feeling lousy, I pull one out for a nostalgic fix that isn’t overwhelming to read. Flip through a magazine, even if all you can do is appreciate the photos. Spend five minutes reading lifestyle articles online that lift your spirits (on a site like Apartment Therapy, perhaps?).
I’ve always called vintage shopping one of my top self-care activities. There’s something so relaxing about perusing booths at a flea market and searching for specific items that gives my brain something to focus on other than whatever mental health hurdle I’m facing. Plus, oftentimes, thrift shopping doesn’t break the bank. If you feel up to it, take yourself to a cool, local antique store, find an indoor market, or go thrifting, and you may discover that it’s your favorite way to practice self-care, too. Can’t get out of bed? I’ve found that Facebook Marketplace, Etsy, and eBay are excellent stand-ins when leaving the house isn’t in the cards.
I know, I know — this is one of the more hackneyed self-care activities, but there’s a reason for it. It really does work and it’s easy to do, even if you have zero motivation. I’m not much for bubbles or bath bombs, but I love sinking down into the hottest water I can stand (just test the water first so you don’t burn yourself!). I also sprinkle in Epsom salts. I’m partial to Dr. Teal’s Epsom salts (three pounds costs less than $6). Choose a scent that works well in the moment (i.e. lavender for bedtime, peppermint for energy), turn on some music, and put on a sheet mask, which is another budget-friendly way to practice self-care.
Pets have been proven to lower blood pressure, decrease stress, and boost their owners’ well-being. It’s something I’ve personally experienced time and time again. Whether we’re cuddling on the couch or tossing a ball, my corgi, Dolly, is a major component of my self-care routine — and I improve her quality of life, too! On your bad days, plan on plenty of quality time with your pet. No pet? Snuggle up to a pal’s pooch, sit on a bench near a dog park, or watch YouTube videos of adorable animals. It’s low-cost and you can do it without leaving your bed.
This isn’t exactly a self-care activity. It’s more of a mindset shift, which is a way of taking care of yourself and it’s free. You’re having a bad day or your mental health is suffering — cut yourself some slack. Accept that today, your self-care might look different than it does on other days, or from what other people do for self-care. Can’t muster up the energy for that five-mile run? Take a walk on your home treadmill or do a simple meditation instead. Socializing typically makes you feel better, but today, you’re not up for it — text a friend or have some alone time to process and feel better. Remove the guilt, ease up, and meet yourself where you are. Those short, doable bursts of self-care will make a difference and get you through until you feel like you again.
If you’re feeling hopeless, have lost interest in everyday activities, or have other uncomfortable, persistent symptoms, it may be time to reach out to your doctor. You can also call the National Helpline at 1-800-622-4357.
Sarah writes about all things shopping for Apartment Therapy, The Kitchn, and Cubby helping you find the best deals and the best products for you and your home. A Brooklyn-born Jersey Girl, she loves a good playlist, a good bagel, and her family (but not necessarily in that order).
It’s no secret that weather has been unpredictable lately — just ask the massive cold snap and blizzard that recently froze basically the entire United States before thawing out into relatively mild temperatures. As winter weather gets more extreme, it’s important to know what to wear to stay warm. Luckily for you, I just returned from an Antarctica expedition. Now I’m packed full of tips and advice (with the help of the ship’s excellent expedition crew) for braving the coldest chills on the planet. Here’s what you need to know about keeping warm in freezing temperatures.
For more content like this follow
According to Aaron Lawton, Viking’s Expedition Operations Manager, a great base layer is the most critical part of your cold-weather clothing setup. You’ll want to cover your top, bottom, and extremities.
“Merino wool is a wonderful base and provides excellent thermal properties as well as moisture-wicking capabilities,” Lawton says. “A warm pair of socks, something similar to a ski sock, is a great addition to the base layer.”
While I was in Antarctica, my base layer was a pair of leggings and a thin but warm long-sleeved shirt. I preferred a base layer on the thinner side so I wouldn’t feel too stiff with everything else on over it — a tactic that works well no matter where in the world you are.
Above your base layer, you should have an insulating layer. It keeps you warmer while also keeping out any moisture that might try to seep into your clothing, which will just make you freeze. Ideally, you’ll have both a top and bottom insulating layer. Lawton suggests using fleece pants and a wool or fleece top.
On Viking expeditions, they provide guests with rain pants, neoprene rubber boots, and a two-piece expedition jacket to take home with an inner puffer layer and an outer wind- and waterproof shell. (It’s legitimately the warmest jacket I’ve ever owned, making me sweat even through the cold Chicago wind.) These layers provide insulation from whatever volatile weather systems might throw your way — and they’re vital for keeping you warm, dry, and cozy. Helly Hansen is one of the best brands for your outer layers. Plus, it’s pretty stylish.
If you’ve heard this advice a lot, it’s because it’s true. You lose heat through your extremities: your hands, feet, and head. And if they’re cold, you’re probably chilly no matter what you’re wearing.
“A wool hat [or] beanie is a great way to protect your head and a pair of warm gloves or mitts, preferably waterproof, will also be a great addition to the ideal outfit,” Lawton says. “And good socks. Don’t skimp on the socks as happy feet are important to having a happy day.”
The moment I realized I’d brought the wrong gloves to Antarctica was a wet and chilly one. I was wearing an adorable pair of pink-striped gloves — but they were fabric and thin.
A wave splashed up the side of our Zodiac (an inflatable boat) and hit me from the chest down, soaking my gloves completely. For the rest of the day, I had to keep my hands stuffed in my pockets. The weather was bad and if I took them out, my fingers would freeze instantly. So take it from me (and Lawton), and make sure you’ve got waterproof outer layers on days that could be wet.
“Cotton isn’t a good idea when out in the elements as it doesn’t insulate very well, especially when wet,” Lawson and my stylish gloves say. “Being dressed to accommodate … weather changes means the difference between enjoying the changing weather and feeling uncomfortable as a result of the changing weather. A bit of salt spray on your face while in the Zodiac makes you feel alive, as long as it stays on the outside of your clothing.”