TIPS FOR WORKING IN WINTER.

We all love to hate on winter. Trudging through the snow while simultaneously ruining our nicest shoes, either freezing in several layers at our desk or burning up because the heat’s blasting, leaving the office in the late afternoon to a sad, pitch-black evening. I get it, it’s not the best time of year. But it could be! Bear with me here. 
So here are some ways you can enjoy the comforts of winter at work—and hopefully start to love it a little more.

1. Stay well nourished by eating and drinking enough. 

Make sure to drink enough fluids, as you dehydrate faster in cold weather conditions. Dehydration causes headaches, dizziness and fatigue, and it’s important to stay alert outdoors. Eating enough food during the day, especially fats and carbohydrates, is also important. Your body uses those nutrients as energy to stay warm in cold temperatures. 

Nothing eases the pain of the cold better than warm food—soup, chili, lasagna, you name it. Make a batch the night before and heat up the leftovers at work, or plan an office potluck day and have everyone bring in their winter favorites. If you’re feeling extra ambitious, you could even plan a chili cook-off. In addition, take 30 minutes, grab a co-worker or two and grab some hot chocolate. Or, for a quicker break, buy a box of packets that you can whip up at any time. (Bonus points if you remember to bring in marshmallows.) 

​2. Stay well rested.

Working outdoors can be challenging, and increases risks to your safety. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep to stay alert on the job when conditions are more dangerous.

3. Stay dry.

Damp clothing can quickly drop your body temperature. It’s more important than ever to stay dry in the cold. Wear a moisture-wicking base layer to draw away sweat as you work. Wear waterproof gear as an outer shell to prevent your under layers from getting wet. Remove any wet clothing immediately. Dressing in layers is key, as it not only keeps you warm but allows you to adjust to changing temperatures. Proper gloves, socks and footwear are essential. Choose headwear that keeps your head and ears warm.

4. Brighten up your desk.

If your cubicle is getting you down, it’s time for a makeover. With a happier workspace, you’ll hardly notice when it gets dark outside. OK, that might be an exaggeration, but you’ll notice it less. So, embrace the winter wonderland and decorate your space by going with the cold theme, or by pretending you’re somewhere else altogether (think: a small plant over your desk). Or make it simple! Just change the desktop background to something more cheerful!.

5. Add some ambiance.

Studies show that listening to music can improve your mood, so try whipping up a winter playlist (even holiday music, we won’t judge you if you’re still going strong in February). Or, if you’re easily distracted, try noisli, a site that will let you create your own background noise. I recommend a mixture of “fireplace” and “coffee shop.” It’s so soothing, you’ll forget you’ve been staring at a computer all day.

Author: Alyse Kalish

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