It's freezing! How to warm up your commute this winter ??
Winter has hit and the storms are upon us, as every commuter who has huddled at a dark and freezing station this month will attest! Whether you wait for a bus or train, or even use your own steam to get into the office, the chances are you are feeling the cold and thoroughly dreading the prospect of the next workday alarm.
However, our tips will help you to approach your commute with energy, warmth and even - enjoyment?
1. Layer up
If you wear trousers then it's time to add some insulated tights underneath. If you wear a dress, then get those extra thick insulated tights out and add a pair of trousers on top for the commute! You'll find that the extra layer will add plenty of warmth and you can do a quick change in the bathroom as needed before you start work. Apply the same logic to your upper half with a vest, jumper and outdoor layers as needed. Yes, you'll look bulky. Yes, you may not look like you've stepped out of a style magazine. But there's nothing stylish about chattering teeth and blue fingers anyway.
2. Get yourself a handwarmer
Whether you fancy a mini hot water bottle or a gel-style warmer, invest in some for when you are chattering at the bus stop or train station. They will provide a bit of cosiness as the chill sets in!
3. Use touchscreen gloves
Now is the time to get off your phone and move around, but if you can't resist Instagramming your freezing commute, then at least buy some touchscreen gloves so that your fingers can stay warm while you share your tales of woe!
4. Choose breathable or high-tech fabrics
Cotton, wool, leather, suede and high-tech fabrics all help you to stay warm without getting sweaty the minute you step into that heated carriage. If you can get away with athleisure at the office, you'll find that some of the high-tech body temperature regulating fabrics are a dream for this tricky time of year.
5. Keep the wind behind you
This one is tricky if you need to walk in a certain direction - to your actual office for example, rather than a coffee shop. But if you can keep the wind behind you then it will keep you feeling far less bitter. Icy wind on the face is too much for even the toughest of us winter commuters.
6. Remember SPF and sunglasses
It seems ridiculous, but you still need to cover up your skin with SPF in winter, and if it snows, sunglasses will help to protect your eyes from the glare and stop you from developing that attractive squint...
7. Embrace the travel mug
If you've not yet started using a travel mug in the morning on your commute, you're well behind the curve. Invest in a biodegradable bamboo travel mug, fill it with coffee and away you go with a warming drink and a source of heat for your troubled fingers. Apply the same logic to your breakfast by carrying a heat-retaining bowl of porridge oats or soup. Actually, carry both. You'll need the warmth and the energy to get through the day!