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Indoor Heating During Winter

Monday, December 6, 2010

borrowed from http://laughlikeadork.blogspot.com/


This post was inspired by a question that I recently posted. Well, first of all, I want to say thank you to everyone who responded with both tips and commiseration. It is good to know that we aren't alone and also, that maybe there's hope.

Backstory: For as long as I can remember, I have dreaded cold weather because of the way I feel every morning. Invariably, I haven't had a restful night. I'm up before the alarm clock because I can feel my sinuses "waking up" and the yuck-factory gearing up. I awake with a fit of sneezing. I'm a massive fountain of endless snot. My skin is so dry, it is screaming for any kind of moisture. My nose is raw from the constant blowing. I shock pretty much anything I touch (static electricity much?). I just have this general blech feeling all over. Not to mention all morning is filled with stopped-up dialogue where my head feels like an over inflated balloon. Don't even get me started on the actual puffiness of it all.

I dread turning on the heater. I like a warm house, but I don't like what a warm house does to me. Never had. Doesn't matter the house or even a hotel for that matter. I just don't like it and I don't like what it does to me. With that said, here are some things that have worked for me and I wanted to share:
  • Don't turn on the heater. Are you crazy? Do you know what the temperature is outside? Ok, yes. We turn on the heater during awake hours, but I'm all about lowering the temp to 50 degrees while we sleep. That cool air keeps the sinuses happy.
  • Use a humidifier. The extra moisture in the air helps with the static electricity. It also helps to keep the skin somewhat moisturized.
  • Invest in a space heater. When the central heat is off, the space heaters kick on. Close the door and keep them going. Of course, make sure they are in a safe place and if they are knocked over, you have the kind that will turn themselves off to prevent fire. SAFETY FIRST folks!
  • Vaseline, more than just some petroleum goop. I apply a bit of this stuff to the insides of my nostrils, even when I'm not pregnant. When I need an extra bump in softness of my feet, I'll rub some on and wear some uber-comfy squishy socks to bed. Of course, the socks are never on my feet in the morning, but my feet are definitely softer.
  • Drink Water. Like they say in the running and workout world...hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. This is essential and I'm made all to aware of how little water I've had when my hands are feeling especially dry and my lips look like the Crypt Keeper.
  • Use a Saline Solution. Sinucleanse, Neti Pot, Sinus Rinse, they all do similar things, which is clean out the sinuses. I do this before bed and in the morning, although, the extra stuffy days I can say that it actually burns a bit. Not from the solution, but maybe the pain associated with all of that mess being swollen? Who knows.
  • Have plenty of tissues. I think nearly every room in our house has a box of Kleenex. I need to get more of those travel Kleenex packets. I can't use a handkerchief. I go through it too quickly.
Those are some of the tidbits that have helped me. I hate that my poor husband has to suffer being cold to keep me comfortable. Although, this year, I have discovered that the Sugarbean has inherited my respiratory tendencies, so she too benefits from these tips. Looks like Guapo (the living heater) will be joining Don in bed soon. Plus, I may have to buy some XL footie pajamas for him too!

Here are some tips from friends that I hope to try out:
  • Clean your air ducts. Usually, you can take advantage of the $99 special that can be found in mailers.
  • Baby Oil in the Bath. Add about a teaspoon of baby oil to the bath and your skin will be renewed and refreshed with the added moisturizer.
  • More moisturizer for your hair. My hair is plenty of moisturized (about the only thing on my body that is.) and the added oil my scalp produces helps to lock in moisture. However, I do apply a dab of conditioner before styling to keep the flyaways and frizzies at bay.
  • Ayr Saline Gel. I gather this will work similar to the nasal rinse and other saline drops and other ointment. I detest any drops in my nose. I'd rather having a gushing fountain of saline instead of a mist or even a spray. Mari, on the other hand, loves her saline drops. Can't get enough of em. This gel sounds intriguing, though, so I'm going to be in search of it for the next time around.
So what about you guys? Do you have any more tips you'd like to share? Do you suffer from this as well?

    1 comment:

    Bunny said...

    Here are a couple more suggestions that have majorly helped me. Number one, in the next house settle for nothing but forced hot water heat, therefore no dust and dryness. Next, try a neti pot. My doctor started me on this and it will eliminate most of your discomfort, I guarantee. It has been around over 2000 years and really works. Thanks for your words of advice.

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