Let me set the scene. It is 8:45 PM. I’ve entered my bedroom. The lamp is casting a warm glow throughout the room. I turn down my bed and lift the bottom right corner of my fluffy duvet. I take my electric heating pad, plug it into the wall, set it to the appropriate heat setting and place it between the sheet and the duvet where my feet will wind up. A little after 9 PM, after tucking the Buddy Man into bed, I return to climb into the bed placing my feet in the preheated spot. It’s heavenly! And I remember why this electric heating pad is one of the best purchases I have made this winter.
My feet have always been cold. Especially in the winter. Especially at night. My mom and I have this thing where we need an extra layer on our feet to sleep. A blanket is ideal; a bathrobe will do in a pinch. It’s psychological, perhaps, but it is what is. Two years ago, I fulfilled a dream by purchasing a duvet for my bed, essentially eliminating my desire to go sleep in hotel rooms because of their bedding. It’s like sleeping in a cloud. However, I still needed another layer on my feet. My electric heating pad has eliminated this need.
I don’t know why I didn’t purchase one sooner. My parents had a moist heating pad which, when I got to use it, I absolutely loved. And I did consider getting one for myself over the years. But in 2025, I was given the push I needed. The Hubs and I had funds in our FSA/HSA that we needed to spend by the end of the year. My son’s small heating pad had stopped working; he uses it when he has “growing pains” in his legs and feet so we got him another one. The Hubs suggested I get one for myself as well. I found the largest one I could that was still FSA/HSA eligible. It’s 18” x 33” and I love how big it is.
I have found uses for it outside of the aforementioned feet warmer. I place it on my tummy when digestive issues arise due to my stress levels, which considering the state of things, has been most days. I definitely use it during the beginning of my monthly cycle when the cramps are excruciating. Returning to my feet (they are always cold and I hate wearing socks): I wrap it around them during Modern Mrs Darcy team meetings and Book Club events, like Readers’ Day. Along with my portable space heater (which follows me around the house), my heating pad has dramatically improved my relationship with winter.
I’m consistently amazed at how often I pass on the simplest things that will bring me so much joy and comfort. Am I cheap with my money? I can be. Do I believe I am not worthy of being happy and comfortable? Sometimes. Does the current state of the world make me feel like everything is pointless and why bother? Yes, especially during the lows of winter due to my seasonal affective disorder. I continue to discuss all of these things with my therapist. But every night, when my feet settle into that gloriously warm spot, I am reminded of how the little things that make life a teeny bit easier really matter. We should let them matter and prioritize them in our daily lives.
What is a small thing that you do that adds an inordinate amount of joy and comfort to your daily life? Maybe it’s a heating pad? Let me know how you use yours. Maybe it’s something else? Tell us all in the comments.
P.S. Tūl pens, my one true love, The coziest item in my home, and more from our team’s Raving Fans series.
About the author
Shannan Malone is our MMD Cohost and What Should I Read Next? Patreon Community Manager. Her go-to genre depends on her mood! You can find Shannan on Instagram @shannanenjoyslife.
42 comments
Try an old-fashioned water bottle: https://www.drweil.com/health-wellness/body-mind-spirit/cancer/can-heating-pads-cause-cancer/
I just finished 12 sessions of chemo and believe me, it’s not something you want to mess around with.
YES Amy! Love my good old-fashioned water bottle. Remarkably effective and long-lasting.
We bought a water bottle recently to assist with the Buddy Man’s tummy complaints. I haven’t used it yet although my parents use to give it to me when I was a kid and my legs hurt.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and yours. Thank you for sharing, Amy.
I have used a heating pad for ages, to help with low back pain and because I am chronically cold. I always wear socks to bed. I read many years ago how socks can help a person sleep. Occasionally I get into bed without them and then have to get up again to put them on.
Glad it’s working for you also, Kristine. Thank you for sharing.
I LOVE my heating pad and use it for all the things you stated. I never travel without it. My husband knows there must be rooming the luggage, take something else out, but the heating pad is a MUST! Stay comfortable 🙂
Robin, I took my first trip since getting my heating pad after I wrote this post and guess what? I took my heating pad with me. I am thinking this is going to be a problem for trains via airplanes.
My heated blanket is one of my favourite things. It keeps me cozy on the sofa while reading or watching.
I have only used it in bed. I will have to carry it to the sofa. Thanks for the idea, Janice.
Immediately forwarded the article about large heating pads my daughter!
I also have cold feet. My solution is to buy couple pair of fleece socks, which warm up the toes perfectly.
Thanks Jennifer! I hope she enjoys it.
Here I thought I was the only one who is very attached to her heating pad! I find the warmth so soothing at the end of the day. And thanks, Robin, for mentioning that you take it when travelling. I am about to do the same thing.
I took my first trip since I got the heating pad after I wrote my post, Chris. And guess what? The heating pad went with me.
The little thing that brings me comfort and goes with me everywhere right now is my Brumate 30 oz water bottle, in a beautiful shade of blue, my favorite color. I received it as a gift from my daughter last year, and it’s my constant reminder to stay hydrated. I typically fill it 3-4 times a day, and honestly it has helped me feel so much more energized!
My Owala water bottle assists me with getting my water in. I want to put stickers on it but I am too scared to ruin it. LOL. Thanks for sharing Melinda.
I visited a friend recently who had a heated mattress pad. About 7 pm, she would say “go turn on your mattress pad to warm your bed”. She also had linen sheets. Oh my!!!!
Was it the best sleep you ever got, Pepi?
Hot Water bottle, electric blanket or heating pads…yummy! Warm feet are a must! You hate wearing socks? Eek! I don’t like wearing them to bed, but sometimes, especially when reading in bed, my feet seem to get COLDER AND COLDER and I finally have to cave and put some on. I won’t be comfortable until I do. But a heating pad would be nice! I actually have one, but didn’t think of using it for my feet. Sometimes I have the opposite problem, my feet feel like they are burning up, and I have to hang them out of the covers and put a fan on them!
Suzy, oh no! That is a problem! My heating pad automatically shuts off at a time that I set so that could be helpful when your feet warm up enough. Thanks for sharing.
Same! I have a mini heating pad that I started sleeping with this year. I love it and usually keep it near my middle (I started using it for cramps). Love the idea of putting it near my feet. We got one for our cat too so she can stay warm enjoying her catio on cooler days.
We have a heated blanket on our bed between the sheet and comforter and “preheat” the bed about 30 min early every night in the winter!
I’ve started keeping a lacrosse ball in my purse to use on pressure points – my piriformis are tight, a spot on my back, etc – can use at work, in the car, on planes.
It’s wonderful, isn’t it, Robin?
Almost 40 years ago on my wedding day, a lady in my neighborhood, came up and took my hand and said,”Serena, when you open my gift, you will think it’s the dumbest gift anyone could get as a wedding gift. But I promise you that you will never forget my name because it will bring you such happiness.”
It was a heating pad.
Anne Frost, I have never forgotten your name.
I love this! ❤️
Oh my! Such a lovely story. Thanks for sharing it with us, Serena.
I also have cold feet but socks are my go to in the winter. What I do use my heating pad for though is to warm up my sourdough starter when I bring it out of the fridge. It brings the starter up to room temperature much faster during the winter months.
Sally, I detest socks on my feet even when it’s cold. LOL
That is an ingenious use of a heating pad! Thanks for sharing.
I can relate…I use old Brookstone /Sharper Image aromatherapy ( weighted ) neck/shoulder wrap for aches & it goes on vacation too 🙂
Owala free sip water bottle goes everywhere too .
I was raised a water kid( no soda household) so ahead of the health trend . LoL
Thanks Mom !
Also,wool dryer balls ( or alpaca if allergies) Purchased as homemade from Etsy to support US farms. Fluffier laundry & lowers the drying time.
I also have an Owala Free Sip water bottle which I absolutely LOVE! It is the best bottle I have ever owned. I haven’t tried wool dryer balls yet. Perhaps I should give those a go. Thank you for sharing, Monique.
Oh, Shannan, I feel you on this and as much as I love winter, my feet are always cold. Well, once the AC is turned on, it’s the same. I use An electric heating pad or hot water bottle in the foot of my bed also. But let me tell you about the BEST thing I found – an electric foot warmer! From Amazon, where else. It’s not really very portable but it’s perfect for when you sit down in a chair to read, watch TV, or knit, in my case. It’s one of the best things I’ve ever purchased for Amazon!
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07TVGMM32?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title
Gayle, hmm, I have never thought of an electric foot warmer! Thanks for sharing and commenting.
I can’t tell you about how thrilled I was to read this article and realize I’m not the only one who uses a heating pad at night in my bed for my feet! It’s a life saver and it goes with me when I travel. My husband thought I was nuts, but now I’m delighted to let him know there are others with the same issues. I can’t sleep with cold toes, so it’s either a hot bath or a heating pad unless it’s a very,very warm day! Thank you for sharing your experience Shannan!
I’d love to know which one you bought.
Your fan,
Jamie
After way too many years of emerging from the shower to a chilly space on winter mornings, we finally purchased a small portable heater for the bathroom. I plug it in diagonally across from the shower, turn it on about 5-10 minutes before hand, and then appreciate a warmer space upon exiting a warm shower. Ahhhhh…. Makes a nice difference especially as one wall of the bathroom is on an outside wall.
I have done this before, Laurie. My dream is to have heated tiles one day. Thank you for sharing.
May I suggest a 2nd heating pad on the couch for when you are watching tv or reading. A sore back prompted me to get out a heating pad, and while my back stopped hurting, the heating pad has stayed in place. It is a delight on cold winter (and spring) evenings and feels so good!
I agree with you Shannan. I am a new convert to the convert to the merits of the heating pad. My back was bothering me and my husband bought me a new one. My very old one, which I thought was just fine, broke. This new one is amazing. My back is better, but I still use it in a comfy chair. I should have upgraded a while ago.
My best post-shoulder surgery buys were a heating pad that has a collar and extends around your shoulder, and a big, plush heated shawl. I use the shawl all the time in the colder months.
A heated shawl! Where did you get this, Liz?
Health issues aside, I really enjoyed Shannan’s description of her nightly ritual, so funny, but our rituals are so good for us. My Bruder microwaveable eye pads were a wonderful help when I had a weirdly blocked tear duct & dry eye issue. There are other brands I’m sure, but these are small, slightly weighted & so soothing, I zone out & relax. Enjoyed all the comments.
Yes, Marilyn. I am beginning to learn evaluate what my rituals are and do the ones that are good for me. My post-dinner doom-scrolling was turning into a ritual that I did every day but was definitely not serving me. I am replacing it. Thank you for commenting.
Northeasterner with chronically cold feet here. I used to hate wearing socks in bed. I would wear them to bed but take them off once I was a little warmed up. But my mom gave me some not-too-snug alpaca socks and I kept falling asleep with them on. Breathable non-constricting wool socks are a completely different thing than other socks and I highly recommend giving them a try. I also always wear wool socks during the day now (Darn Tough FTW!) and wear shearling slippers (LL Bean) around the house. My feet are happy.
Thank you so very much for sharing this tip. I have been using my heating pad ever since reading it. I suffer from neuropathy in my toes from having had chemotherapy for breast cancer, and up until now I had been wearing wool socks to bed. I actually tucked the heating pad under my fitted sheet, so it would stay put. I turn it on high when I start to get ready for bed, and by the time I crawl in, the area by my toes is gloriously warm. I love it!