Being comfortable at work should be a fundamental feature of most professions. Office workers will most likely be used to a regulated and sheltered work environment. But those whose office is the outdoors must deal with the forces of nature and everything that it brings. Over the harsh winter months, this can mean bitterly cold temperatures, pounding rain, snow, sleet and ice. Adequate preparation for these elements is crucial for outdoor workers to stay warm and dry, allowing them to complete their job properly. As such, what are some simple tips and tricks to stay warm and dry at work this winter?
Invest in quality protective clothing
The first thing any outdoor worker should do to prepare for the winter is invest in quality protective clothing. Buying cheap or poor-quality workwear just to save money may actually cost you more in the long term because you’re more likely to need replacements. Furthermore, substandard garments will typically perform worse than more expensive counterparts, so you may leave yourself vulnerable to cold or wet weather. The basic protective clothing for outdoor workers should include a warm and waterproof jacket, durable footwear and water-repellent trousers. Quality workwear should last you for many years, not a matter of months.
Insulate your head, hands and feet
In addition to basic protective outerwear, insulating your extremities is the key to limiting heat loss while working outdoors in the winter. This includes your head, neck, hands and feet – the areas that are most susceptible to heat loss. To mitigate this, it’s a good idea to wear a warm hat or beanie, a neck covering such as a snood or scarf, an insulating pair of gloves and some thick socks.
Take a flask
Another way to stay warm whilst working outside is to drink hot or warm liquids throughout the day or on your breaks. Taking a flask containing your favourite hot beverage or soup will be handy to keep warm throughout the day and can be a good way to lift your spirits in cold and dark conditions.
Eat the right foods
Your diet and nutrition can also help to elevate your body temperature and make you feel warmer. Eating a hearty breakfast and lunch, primarily filled with foods that take longer for you to digest – such as protein, healthy fat and carbohydrate-rich produce – will help to keep your body warmer for longer while you are digesting them. Furthermore, calorie dense foods will help to give you more energy throughout they day which is essential when working in cold conditions.
Try some warming accessories
You can also try some warming accessories, most of which are fairly inexpensive. Things like hand warmers, small hot water bottles and thermal underwear can all be kept on your person and will help to warm up areas of your body that you might find get colder than others.
