How to Stay Warm When Working Outside this Winter

How to Stay Warm When Working Outside in Winter

Winter can be a challenging season for outdoor workers, who have to face the cold, wind, rain, snow, and ice. Working in low temperatures can affect your health, safety, and productivity. That’s why it’s important to take some precautions to keep yourself warm and comfortable when working outside. In this blog post, I will share 12 tips on how to stay warm when working outside in winter, based on some web search results1234.

1. Start the day warm

The first tip is to start the day warm. This means warming up your body and your clothes before you head out to work. You can do this by:

Using a hot water bottle or an electric blanket to warm up your bed
Having a warm shower or bath in the morning
Pre-warming your clothes in the airing cupboard or on a radiator
Having a warm breakfast, such as porridge, eggs, or toast
But be careful not to overheat or sweat, as this can make you colder later. You want to be warm, not wet.

2. Wear extra layers

The second tip is to wear extra layers of clothing. Layers trap heat and allow you to adjust your clothing as the weather and your activity level change. You should wear at least three layers:

A base layer that fits snugly and wicks away moisture, such as wool, silk, or synthetic fabrics. Avoid cotton, as it absorbs water and makes you cold.
A mid layer that provides insulation, such as fleece, wool, or down. You can wear more than one mid layer if it’s very cold.
An outer layer that protects you from the wind, rain, and snow, such as a waterproof and breathable jacket and trousers. Make sure your outer layer is not too tight, as it can restrict blood circulation and reduce warmth.

3. Get some thermals

The third tip is to get some thermal underwear, socks, and gloves. Thermal clothing is specially designed to keep you warm by retaining your body heat and preventing heat loss. Thermal clothing can be made of natural or synthetic materials, such as wool, silk, or polyester. You can find thermal clothing in various weights and sizes, depending on your preference and needs.

4. Keep your skin covered

The fourth tip is to keep your skin covered as much as possible. Exposed skin can lose heat quickly and increase the risk of frostbite and hypothermia. You should cover your head, neck, ears, hands, and feet with warm and waterproof accessories, such as:

A hat, beanie, or balaclava
A scarf, neck warmer, or face mask
Gloves, mittens, or hand warmers
Socks, boots, or toe warmers
You can also apply some moisturiser or lip balm to protect your skin from drying and cracking.

5. Defrost your feet

The fifth tip is to defrost your feet. Your feet are one of the first parts of your body to feel the cold, and cold feet can make you feel miserable. To keep your feet warm and dry, you should:

Choose the right footwear for the weather and the work. You should wear boots that are waterproof, insulated, and have good traction. You should also avoid steel-toe boots, as they can conduct cold and reduce blood flow to your toes.
Wear thick and warm socks that fit well and wick away moisture. You can also wear two pairs of socks, one thin and one thick, for extra warmth and cushioning. Avoid cotton socks, as they can make your feet wet and cold.
Change your socks and shoes regularly, especially if they get wet or sweaty. You should also dry your feet and apply some talcum powder or foot cream to prevent fungal infections and blisters.

6. Heat your hands

The sixth tip is to heat your hands. Your hands are also prone to feeling the cold, and cold hands can affect your dexterity and grip. To keep your hands warm and functional, you should:

Wear gloves that are suitable for the weather and the work. You should wear gloves that are waterproof, insulated, and have good grip. You should also avoid gloves that are too tight, as they can restrict blood circulation and reduce warmth.
Use hand warmers, such as disposable or reusable packets that generate heat when activated. You can place them inside your gloves, pockets, or sleeves for extra warmth.
Move your fingers and hands frequently, such as by clenching and unclenching your fists, rubbing your palms together, or shaking your hands. This can help improve blood flow and prevent stiffness and numbness.

7. Stay dry

The seventh tip is to stay dry. Wetness can make you lose heat faster and increase the risk of hypothermia and frostbite. To stay dry, you should:

Avoid sweating, as sweat can make you wet and cold. You can do this by dressing in layers, removing or adding clothing as needed, and drinking plenty of fluids.
Avoid getting wet from rain, snow, or ice. You can do this by wearing waterproof and breathable clothing and accessories, and staying away from wet surfaces and objects.
Dry yourself and your clothing as soon as possible, if you get wet. You can do this by using a towel, a dryer, or a heater, and changing into dry and warm clothing.
8. Keep moving
The eighth tip is to keep moving. Movement can help you generate heat and maintain your body temperature. To keep moving, you should:

Avoid standing or sitting still for long periods of time. You should move around, stretch, or exercise at least once every hour, or more often if it’s very cold.
Avoid working alone, as working with others can help you stay motivated, alert, and safe. You should also check on each other regularly, and look out for signs of cold stress, such as shivering, confusion, or slurred speech.
Avoid working in extreme cold, as working in very low temperatures can be dangerous and harmful. You should monitor the weather forecast, and follow the guidelines and instructions from your employer and health and safety authorities.

9. Take a break from the cold

The ninth tip is to take a break from the cold. Taking a break can help you warm up, rest, and recover from the cold. To take a break, you should:

Find a warm and sheltered place, such as a heated cabin, tent, or vehicle. You should avoid places that are damp, windy, or poorly ventilated, as they can make you colder and increase the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Have a warm drink, such as tea, coffee, or hot chocolate. You should avoid drinks that contain alcohol, caffeine, or sugar, as they can dehydrate you and lower your body temperature.
Have a warm snack, such as soup, nuts, or dried fruits. You should avoid foods that are high in fat, salt, or spices, as they can affect your blood circulation and digestion.

10. Eat warm meals and snacks

The tenth tip is to eat warm meals and snacks. Eating can help you provide energy and fuel for your body to generate heat. To eat well, you should:

Eat regularly, at least three times a day, and more often if you are working hard or for long hours. You should also eat before you start working, and after you finish working, to boost your metabolism and maintain your body temperature.
Eat hot and nutritious foods, such as stews, casseroles, or curries. You should include foods that are high in protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats, such as meat, eggs, cheese, bread, rice, pasta, nuts, seeds, and oils.
Eat foods that are easy to digest, such as fruits, vegetables, or yoghurt. You should avoid foods that are hard to digest, such as beans, cabbage, or onions, as they can cause gas and discomfort.

11. Get a thermal flask

The eleventh tip is to get a thermal flask. A thermal flask is a container that can keep your drinks hot or cold for a long time. A thermal flask can help you stay warm by:

Providing you with a source of warm drinks, such as water, tea, coffee, or soup. You can drink from your thermal flask whenever you feel cold, thirsty, or hungry, and enjoy the warmth and comfort.
Acting as a mini heater, by holding it in your hands, placing it in your pockets, or tucking it under your clothes. You can use your thermal flask as a portable and personal heater, and feel the heat radiating from it.

12. End the day warm

The twelfth and final tip is to end the day warm. This means warming up your body and your clothes before you go home or go to bed. You can do this by:

Taking a warm shower or bath in the evening
Drying and storing your clothes in a warm and dry place
Having a warm dinner, such as soup, pasta, or pizza
Drinking a warm drink, such as herbal tea, milk, or honey
Wearing warm pyjamas and socks to bed
But again, be careful not to overheat or sweat, as this can make you colder later. You want to be warm, not wet.

Conclusion

Working outside in winter can be tough, but it doesn’t have to be miserable. By following these 12 tips, you can stay warm, comfortable, and safe when working outside in winter. Remember, the key is to dress appropriately, stay