Dealing with the cold

The cold of winter can be a challenge for many workers. Some, just can't bare the cold, others the cold never seems to bother. A part of that is our physical make-up, better blood circulation or something. I know that some workers just can't seem to stay warm, which for me personally is a puzzle because working in the cold has never been a problem, as a matter of fact, I find more work gets done in the cold than in the hot. But, if the cold is hard for you to tolerate, I have a few suggestions.

Try layering light weight clothes, not so many that you can't move, because if you put too much on and the clothes are too tight, and you'll cut off circulation anyway. For me, if the wind gets down my neck, that will put a chill on me quickly, so I always where a hooded jacket. Never wear more clothes than you need to stay comfortable, not hot! Too warm and you start sweating, then the wet undergarments get cold, and not too long after that, your cold. The two areas most people have trouble keeping warm are the feet and the hands. Wear a hat, most of your bodies heat exits the head, just as heat rises and leaves a building through the roof your body is no different. For the feet, I recommend wearing a good waterproofed boot along with a good pair of hunting socks should be enough, some require insulated. If your feet tend to get cold anyway, you might have to go to a boot with removable liner, if you use this option make sure to take the liner out every night and dry it completely. If one of those options do not work for you, then consider a pair of bib overalls, for me it must get below 0 degrees Fahrenheit to go to this option, just too warm! They do make an insulated pair as well, for the North Pole I believe! For the hands, a pair of jersey gloves is usually all that is required, but keep them dry. I start out the morning with the gloves and they are usually gone within an hour, they just get in the way for me. I do this: with your bare hands pick up some snow and make a snow ball, this should get your hands cold, then swing your arms quickly and hit your back, the right hand hits the left shoulder the left hand hits the right shoulder, then swing arms back out as though you are about to give someone a big hug, then repeat rapidly 6 to 10 times. This will cause blood to rush to your fingers and in a short time your hands will actually feel hot. It works for me every time, then my hands are warm the rest of the day. There are brands such as carhart that tend to be a better quality for warmth. Go out and enjoy the day, find what works best for you and use it.