{"id":4678,"date":"2022-01-03T16:14:40","date_gmt":"2022-01-03T22:14:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cooking2thrive.com\/blog\/?p=4678"},"modified":"2022-01-03T16:14:41","modified_gmt":"2022-01-03T22:14:41","slug":"wrap-yourself-in-warmth","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cooking2thrive.com\/blog\/wrap-yourself-in-warmth\/","title":{"rendered":"Wrap Yourself in Warmth"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

As 2022 begins looking much like 2020-2, a resolution to\nwrap yourself in warmth may be more realistic than anything you may have chosen\nin 2019. When stress is ongoing, there\u2019s nothing wrong with choosing an extra\ndose of warm, fuzzy comfort!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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While that may sound indulgent, it can also be good for your\nmental health. And reducing stress is good for your physical health as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most of the US experienced the anxiety that comes with a\nsudden inability to purchase basic supplies like toilet paper in 2020. Supply\nchain issues persist, and increasing numbers of sick employees are already\ncausing staff shortages. It may be worth stocking up on a few items to keep\nyourself feeling warm and cozy as you face winter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For me, warm and cozy takes many forms. My Tempur-Pedic\u00ae mattress\ncradles me while I sleep. Hot, black, French-pressed coffee warms me when I\nwake up. In between, I like to be armed with the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Soft scarves.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I live in a historic home with high ceilings and drafty windows.\nEven when one side of the house is warm, the other is not. Having a stash of\nsoft scarves to wrap around my neck makes me feel more secure. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Microwavable heating pad.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

These small pillows are usually filled with rice or corn. They\ncome in a variety of sizes and prints. My current one has a removable cover\nthat can be thrown in the washer. Not only are these great for sore muscles,\nthe combination of heat and weight is calming. I use mine often to relax sore\nmuscles or place over my solar plexus at night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Peppermint tea bags.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

For someone with a persnickety tummy, peppermint tea<\/a> may be the relaxing relief you need. I like it both hot and iced. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bath salts.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I love rosemary peppermint bath salts. While I\u2019m not a big bath\ntaker, there are times when nothing is more soothing than to soak in super-hot\nwater that\u2019s filling the air with a lovely aroma. It can feel like time is\nstanding still. I usually turn off the lights and float.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gluten-free treats.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if I don\u2019t think about them often, I like having some kind of\ngluten-free treat available in the pantry or refrigerator. It\u2019s more about\nfeeling like what I want is available than it is about consuming a particular\nfood. As some retailers stock fewer gluten-free options, I find myself feeling\nanxious that I may not be able to order my usual preferences. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not having snacks would not be the end of the world. And I can\nalways bake. But there\u2019s a certain peace of mind that comes from knowing\nthere\u2019s something waiting for me in the pantry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For you, warm comfort may come in the form of chicken soup, hot cinnamon rolls, or chili. It could come from binge-watching under a stack of fleece blankets. Or it could emerge from reading a gripping novel, a lyrical poem, or listening to a particular song. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It looks like we\u2019re headed for more uncertainty as 2022 unfolds. Whatever you need to wrap yourself in warmth is worth stocking up on now! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Comfort Comes in Different Flavors<\/a><\/blockquote>