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All kinds of discomforts plague us in the office space. Cold hands & feet are a real pain for some of us. Sitting all day long doesn’t do much for our circulation, and productivity comes to a crawl when we get cold. These chilling side effects become even more frustrating when your job is to type on a keyboard and be at a desk all day.
Why Do Our Hands & Feet Get Cold in the Office?
Cold hands & feet are a sign that your entire body is cold. The body’s natural response to being cold is to limit circulation in our extremities to prevent our core temperature from dipping too low. This is just one of our body’s primitive reflexes, ensuring our brain and vital organs are protected above all else.
So, while our mind is alight with great ideas, our frozen fingers fail to take action. If cold fingers and toes hold you back, read on for eleven tips on keeping your hands & feet warm at the office.
Wear Something Warm
As mentioned, cold hands are usually a sign that your entire body is cold. So, wear an extra layer of clothing and see how you feel. Try keeping an oversized hoodie on your chair or a blanket near your workspace and layer up whenever you start to feel a chill.
Keep Your Head Warm
As it turns out, much of our body heat is directed toward our heads. And most of that heat escapes. Putting a hat on is a great way to help your body retain more heat and prevent it from restricting circulation to your extremities.
Drink Something Warm
Another excellent way to raise your core temperature is through a warm drink. In the morning, you can go for a mug of coffee. The caffeine can also give you an added boost by raising your heart rate and blood pressure a little. But if you want to reduce caffeine, a tea or warm cup of cocoa will also do the trick.
Move to a Warmer Corner of the Office
If possible, move closer to a heat duct. Ask your boss to be moved, or see if a colleague will swap workstations with you. Indeed, someone hot-natured in the office would gladly move to a cooler part of the office.
Walk When You Take Breaks
Movement is important when it comes to circulation. So walk around the office or go outside when you take breaks. Even if the temperature is cool outside, the temperature change plus movement will make it feel cozy and warm back at your desk when you return.
Make Sure to Stretch
Sitting at a desk all day is not a normal posture for the body, which can lead to tension and muscle soreness. This is especially true if you do not have an ergonomic chair and desk setup. Practicing good posture is important, but it cannot fully replace the benefits of stretching. Take extra care to stretch your neck, shoulders, and hip muscles, as they will benefit the most. Plus, stretching helps improve circulation, which will help you work more comfortably.
Get an Electric Desktop Heater
If none of the above tips offer relief from your cool, stiff joints, it may be time to tap into the powers of technology. Get an electric desktop heater and point it towards your hands to keep your fingers flying over the keys. This will also raise your core temperature, encouraging circulation to return to your extremities.
Use a Small Heater
If your feet are cooler than your hands, consider getting yourself a small space heater that can fit under your desk. This way, it is easy to turn on and off as needed. Or, if you’re after a little more ambiance, you could buy one that looks like a fireplace. It is a wonderful way to make your office space more cozy.
