10 Clever Ways To Stay Warm This Winter

This cold weather is getting real old, real fast — and that means it's time to find some fun ways to keep warm, ASAP. As the month of February makes itself known, it seems like this chilly winter is never going to come to an end. No matter how beautiful the barren trees, snow-covered ground, and frozen lakes can be, the low temperatures just aren't cutting it. And as cute as your winter coat and boots are, bundling up every time you step out of a building is kind of a pain in the butt. Scarves, mittens, hats, etc... you know what I'm talking about.

But enough complaining, because even if the cold weather may not be enjoyable in and of itself, it does give you reason to feel guiltless about staying indoors all day long. If you do find yourself going outside, chances are you're not staying out for long (unless you're lucky enough to live in one of those beautiful states where the temperature doesn't drop below 60, ever). So where to go and what to do? That's why I'm here to help. From blanket forts to onesies, Thai food to a piping hot cup of tea, here are 10 easy ways to keep yourself cozy during this long, slow season of low temperatures.

1. Build a blanket fort

Remember when you were a kid and would spend hours at sleepovers building up the most magnificent and magical blanket forts in your friends' living rooms? There's no reason that ever has to stop. Pillows, blankets, string lights, and disco balls... start pitching your tent.

2. Take some Bikram Yoga classes

If you're going stir crazy at home, sign up for some Bikram Yoga classes at a local studio. The room is kept at 105 degrees Fahrenheit, so there's no way you're going to get chilly. The exercise will help keep you in shape during the cold winter months, and you'll be pleasantly surprised by how quickly your flexibility increases.

3. Bake up a storm

Bake cookies, bake cakes, bake pastries, and then repeat. Having the oven on will heat up your home and make it smell delicious with the sugary sweet goodness you're stuffing into it. If you're worried about eating too many cookies (is that even possible?), then make up gift plates for your friends and family.

4. Adopt a cuddle buddy

Cuddle buddies are the best, especially when they are furry little creatures. If you've been contemplating adopting an animal recently, now's the time to jump on it. Cats and dogs make for perfect cuddle buddies and winter companions. If you're not sure you're ready for the commitment yet, consider fostering an animal in need.

5. Indulge in a hot bath

Fill up the tub, pour in some bubbles, light the candles, and drop in a bath bomb. Pure bliss. Pure warm bliss at that. If there was ever a season to indulge in long, luxurious baths on the regular, it's this season.

6. Order in some spicy food

Delivery food is the way to go on cold winter nights when you don't feel like stepping outside your front door. Thai, Schezwan, Indian... really, anything with lots of spices and lots of heat. Warm yourself up from the inside out.

7. Wear footed pajamas all day long

Forget the snuggie and go all out with a full-on onesie. From head to toe, zip up and own it. Pajama City offers a huge selection of playful onesies for adults. Hey, what you may never want to be caught photographed in is exactly what you want to be caught wearing on a freezing cold day.

8. Drink up (alcohol, tea, cocoa, etc.)

Start pouring yourself a drink of your choice, so long as it won't give you a brainfreeze. A steaming cup of hot tea, a warm mug of cocoa, or a big cup of coffee — take your pick. If you have the night (or day) off, make some boozy drinks that can warm you right up.

9. Stay in bed all day

Breakfast in bed, a great book, and layers and layers of blankets. There may be no better day than one spent under the covers. Cancel your plans, turn off your phone, and just relax under wraps, literally.

10. Hang out in a crowded bar

If you're not the rowdy type, crowded bars aren't normally the most appealing of weekend plans, but if there was ever a time to love them, it's during the chilly winter. Pack yourselves in like sardines, and enjoy the heat of strangers. Sounds weird, feels just right.

Images: Fotolia; Tiffany Bailey, Max Charping, Sombilon Art & Photography, Emily, Vicki's Pics, Rebecca Barray, wEnDy, Pajama City, Mike Dory, Emily May, Mr.TinDC, Frank Gruber/Flickr