DIY Warmie

You’re hot one moment and freezing the next. And now only your arms and hands are cold, but the rest of your body is pretty hot! Oh yes, the woes of temperature regulation and TSW.

What are Warmies?

For a short time when I was living on the east coast, I got to live with these two little boys who during the winter months were always cold even with the heater. So they would have these little warming pouches (that they called “Warmies”) that they would take with them to bed when it was time to sleep. One night, as I was cooking in the kitchen, the little one popped into the kitchen to microwave his pouch. I asked him what was in the pouch, and he told me that he wasn’t too sure, but he thinks it’s “rice or beans or something!”

I’m now back home in Southern California, where winters are nowhere near as harsh as in the Northeast. But you’ll be surprised - some nights still get a bit chilly! So one night, smiling as I thought of the boys, I decided to make myself a Warmie.

Temperature regulation and TSW

It was in these past few months that I noticed that (thankfully) I am no longer having issues with temperature regulation. I am still going through TSW, but luckily that symptom has passed. I still have PTSD from that symptom though - the thought of wearing a turtle neck still freaks me out because I used to overheat at the drop of a dime and therefore frantic itch attacks would ensue. When I fall asleep with a blanket over my chest I freak out, thinking that I might be drenched in sweat which may then jumpstart my itch attacks. And when a breeze would pass, I would sometimes shiver at the memory of that bone-deep chill I used to get when my body has issues with temperature regulation.

Keeping yourself warm

But now, making and using this Warmie for several nights now, I realize I don’t have issues with temperature regulation! At least for the most part. But for those of you who still do, I truly hope this brings you some warmth in your body and heart when those chills really get to you. Because yeah, ice packs are great! But what to do when you need that heat? Here you go! An easy and cheap way to make yourself a nice Warmie. (Save that $20-30 you’ll otherwise spend on Amazon for one of these!)

DIY microwaveable Warmie

Time: 5 minutes

Supplies:

• 1 clean old sock
• Rice (Any variety is fine. I used Calrose. A few cups depending on the size of the sock)
• Cup
• Funnel

Pro Tip: For the old sock, use cute or silly socks that you may have forgotten about! Makes the whole process and use a little more fun!

Instructions:

1. Grab the sock you want to use for your Warmie.
2. Grab the funnel and lower into the opening of the sock. Lift the walls of the sock to hug the top of funnel. Adjust accordingly.
3. With the cup, scoop a full cup of rice and pour into the funnel, filling the sock.
4. Repeat until sock is ¾ filled.
5. Once sock is ¾ filled with rice, tie the end of the sock.
6. In the microwave, place a half mug of water next to your new Warmie. This is optional but prevents the Warmie from scorching. (I’ve warmed the Warmie with and without the mug of water numerous times and it hasn’t scorched either time). Heat for 2 minutes. Be careful when handling the Warmie and test on skin to make sure it doesn’t burn you. It’ll be very warm but shouldn’t be too hot. I timed my Warmie and it still holds some heat after an entire hour! Now you’re all ready to use your Warmie!

I hope this DIY Warmie brings you warmth when your body cannot! Please do let me know if you decide to make this and if it works for you!