ABCs of trying to stay warm in the winter; armpit, layers, circles
If ever you see me swinging my arms around like a wild woman while dancing and kicking, chances are I’m not trying to get your attention. I’m probably just trying to remember I’m a warm-blooded animal who probably isn’t meant to stand out in the snow, wind and bitter cold air for hours.
Are humans meant to be tropical? Should we really be out sledding and skiing and rolling the frozen white stuff into balls and hurling them at each other?
Probably not. But you must admit, snow is fun. And without cold, you just can’t have snow.
More:Your Christmas might not be complete without one of these traditions
There are some tried and true ways to help keep you warm when you head out in the winter weather, and while they may seem silly, as someone who spends more time than she should loving this crazy season, they seem to work. Just remember your ABCs!
Armpits, layers and circles do the trick
A is for armpit. Usually, the extremities are the first thing to go numb as your body says, “We kinda need our organs a little more than our fingertips. We can give those up. Send the blood to the belly!” When your fingers get cold, they need to get closer to where the body is sending the warmth. Double up on it and stick your fingers, skin to skin, in your armpits.
Might they be a little sweaty and smelly? Probably. But chances are they will also be warm and I don’t know about you, but I’d rather keep my fingers rosy even if they aren’t good for my nose-y.
B is for baselayer. Layering of clothes is a no-brainer, but anyone who has watched Ralphie’s little brother in The Christmas Story knows the danger of overdoing it. If modern fabrics had been invented when that movie was intended in 1940, Ralphie’s mom would have known to never wear cotton fabric next to the skin. Something more wicking than whatever that poor kid was wearing would have helped draw moisture (er, sweat) away from the body so it didn’t just freeze to it.
C is for circles. Swinging your arms and kicking your legs around in wild circles will use the same physics that send you squishing your friends on the outside seat of the Tilt-a-Whirl, except that it just sends warm blood to your hands and feet.
C is also for coffee and chocolate, the hot variety, which is a yummy way to warm up if you have that option. C can also be for cuddling with someone you love, which is a great method. Just make sure to wash the armpit off your hands first.
Reach Karrie McAllister at mckarrie@gmail.com.
This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: Snow is fun, staying warm is important, follow these tips to the letter
