Freezing at Work? A Raynaud’s Syndrome Patient Shares Her Secret to Staying Toasty

Why I Am Always Cold Even When It Is 75 Degrees

I am always cold. Sunny and 75? There is a good chance that unless I am standing in direct sunlight, I am freezing. If I am in direct sunlight, I have to cover up, or I will burn. Yes, I am a delicate flower with temperature control issues!

What Is Raynaud’s Syndrome

In all seriousness, I have a condition called Raynaud's syndrome. It causes the small blood vessels in the fingers, toes, ears, or nose to spasm and temporarily restrict blood flow. Cold and stress are the usual triggers.

So when it is cold, I feel colder than most people because I have little to no blood flow to my extremities. My fingers can turn white and sometimes blue, and I need an outside heat source to warm back up. It is not dramatic. It is just biology being rude.

The No Space Heater Policy Problem

We work in the 5/3 Bank Building in downtown Evansville and there is a strict 'no space heaters' policy. I get it. They can be dangerous. I once had one catch on fire while it was running, and that was enough excitement for a lifetime.

Still, without an outside heat source, I am just cold. I know some people say, just wear more clothes. Even in Uggs and layers, I am still freezing. I would have to show up in ski bibs and that is not exactly office chic.

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The Heating Pad and Blanket Fail

I tried a heating pad. It worked, but it was tiny and only warmed one small patch of me. I tried a heated blanket too, but I stand most of the day at my standing desk, so that was not practical. I was officially out of ideas.

The Under Desk Heater That Changed Everything

Then my mother-in-law gave me an under desk heater for Christmas, and it has been a total game-changer. It wraps around my legs and has a heater at the bottom, so I can take off my shoes and let my toes thaw out in peace.

It gets nice and warm, but won't burn you if you touch it. It has tip protection, so even if it falls over, it shuts off. There is also a timer, which makes me feel better about using it all day.

I can sit or stand with it, and the heat radiates up, keeping my legs warm instead of just one tiny square of skin. If you are constantly cold at work like me, it might be worth checking out.