In Colorado, January and February are naturally colder, particularly this weekend. Today we’re expecting a 30% chance of snow and a high of 9 degrees. On Sunday there’s a 50% chance of snow with a high of 15 degrees fahrenheit, and for Monday, an 80% chance of snow with a high of 3 degrees. So, here are some ways to stay cozy when the roads turn to ice during this upcoming cold spell.
1: Plan ahead.
While some prefer to avoid work, others like to get work done so they can relax more. “You sort of clean first and make sure that the house and the pets are sort of situated, then you can relax more comfortably,” DRHS English teacher Jill Prew said.
Principal Kim Keller, however, said, “I don’t make any plans and try to do athletic coverage Friday night, if possible.”
Planning ahead can make it easier to relax, but if you prefer to get your work done while under some blankets next to a fireplace, then maybe doing everything beforehand isn’t for you. “I work a bit, then do a bit of reading. I go back and forth. That way I feel more productive,” Keller said.
2: Do things that make you feel cozy.
This depends on the person, but everyone has something that makes them feel warm inside.
For example, while Keller prefers to wear sweats and read while cuddling with her dogs, Katelyn Bromfield, from the DRHS Accessibility Department, said she prefers another approach. “I watch football – NFL Network. I eat comfort food, like family recipes,” Bromfield said.
Things that make you happy and comfy depend on the personality, so play around and find what you like. It’s always worth spending a weekend doing things you enjoy.
3: Stay home.
One thing that Bromfield, Prew, and Keller all agree on is staying in their own home. Not only can going outside be hazardous if the roads are icy, but it can also defeat the purpose of waking up late, like Keller does, and spending time with family, like Prew does. Staying home means you’re in a comfy spot, you don’t have to dress for others, and you can enjoy the warmth of being inside.
4: Manage the temperature.
“I just turn the fireplace on… and stick close to it,” Prew said.
Changing the temperature of the house works for some people. Keller said she makes her house a “tad bit cooler” so she can “wear extra layers of warm clothes.”
However, Bromfield explained that she is “forbidden to touch the thermostat” as that is her “husband’s territory.”
Overall, temperature can depend on who you are. If you prefer to wear warmer clothes and snuggle under blankets, then maybe lower the temperature. If you have a fireplace, maybe try staying close to it, and if you aren’t allowed to mess with the thermostat, then just wear warmer clothes to feel warmer.
5: Choose the right clothing.
While everyone interviewed suggested wearing sweaters and/or sweats, this can also depend on the person. Some people can’t stand being in their pajamas all day, as it can make them feel “gross” or “lazy.” But other people can do that. And if you can, and are comfortable in it, then what’s stopping you? Wear clothes that make you comfy. They don’t have to be warm. You can wear shorts and a tank top and still feel cozy.
While ways to feel cozy are subjective, there are some basics that make most people feel warm inside. Warm drinks, baths, showers, and warm food are all answers that many would say “make sense.” So in the end, to feel cozy, try new things. For example, try cleaning before relaxing, and then try cleaning while relaxing, and decide which you prefer. Drink warm beverages and wear pajamas, then sweaters. Ask your parents if you can start the fireplace or lower the temperature of the house, and if you can’t, make your room colder by opening a window for a bit.
If you still struggle with that warm feeling, ask friends or family what they do. They know you better than most.
