How to Stay Warm When You Can’t Use a Heater
Heaters are very useful during the colder months, but they can be dangerous . For this reason, they are also usually not allowed in places like offices and dorms, which will leave you shaking while working or studying. I once smuggled a space heater into my old job and kept it under my desk, but the stress of smuggling and the guilt of putting my co-workers in danger was getting me down. I wish I knew then what I know now: There are great alternatives to space heaters.
Warming gadgets that are not heaters
First things first: there are gadgets that can be used to replace space heaters. They’ll keep you warm without the risk of, well, starting a fire. You should still always use caution when handling hot objects, but this is a good start:
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Keep this heated vest from Burngogo ($44.99) anywhere you often get cold, like your office or bedroom. It turns off after two and a half hours of inactivity and allows you to choose between three heating modes. Keep in mind that most heated vests available on Amazon do not come with a battery, but you can buy one separately or use a phone battery you already have. I’ve had one of these for years and I swear by it to help me on cold commutes.
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Try a heated mat to keep your feet toasty under the table. Hodimi sells one for $37.99 . It has eight temperature levels and an automatic shut-off after three hours, and is small enough to take on the go.
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Electric heating pads like this one from Meetmet ($15.10) are a mainstay for those of us who get those nasty cramps once a month, but they can continue to be used all winter long. Again, it has an automatic shut-off and is small enough to be carried from home to office. Throw it over your shoulders or place it on your lap for instant warmth.
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Even when you’re wrapped in blankets while working, your hands still have to reach out into the cold to access your mouse and keyboard. This is no longer a problem. You can purchase a heated mouse pad ($21.97) or even a heated mat that goes under your keyboard ($24.99).
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Finally, try the Heated Seat Cover ($50.99) if you struggle with cold temperatures while working. The one linked is large and comfortable, but you can also find thinner, larger versions of the electric heating pad, like this one ($31.99).
Other heater options not included in delivery.
I ‘ve long been a proponent of direct heat with a hairdryer , but it’s not easy to do if you have to hold something else in your hand. If you’re generally anti-gadget, you can always go the old-fashioned route and bake something that will warm up your kitchen and surrounding areas. When you’re done, leave the oven open and your home will temporarily become a hot paradise.
Don’t forget to also purchase HotHands Insole Warmers . You can get 16 pairs for $34.65. They are not electric at all. In fact, I don’t really know how they work; I just know they work and I always stuff them into my shoes before commuting to work. They say they last up to nine hours, but as a cheap dirtbag, I can confirm that they last longer, so 16 pairs will last you for a while. Keep in mind that after a while they will start to disintegrate in your shoes, so remove them before you notice any signs of this. (It’s hard to get crumbs out of shoes, especially boots.) But they’re not just for outdoor adventures—stuff them into slippers to keep you warm at home. Just know that you need to wear socks as a barrier between your foot and the heating pad, but that extra layer of toastiness shouldn’t be a concern when the goal is to stay warm.