So hot you feel you are in a sauna, so cold you feel you have taken a trip to the Antarctic – that’s body temperature for you. Most people tend to fall on one side more than the other, yet some spoonies find themselves yo-yoing between the two extremes.

My own experience

I am like day and night when it comes to body temperature. Having multiple chronic illnesses with different symptoms I can find that one minute I am struggling with my fibro and am so cold I wear four layers whilst wrapped up in a blanket clinging on to a hot water bottle. The next I am battling my hormones and PCOS and am so hot that I experience night sweats and find taking a short walk to the shop can leave me with sweat running off my back like a waterfall.

My top tips for body temperature issues – as always please check with your doctor/specialist before trying any new ideas or tips.

Cold Cats

• Layer up – The easiest way to keeping warm is to wear more clothes. Take a look in your wardrobe and arrange your clothing into cold day piles making it easier to find appropriate clothing when the cold seeps in. Think thick jumpers, cardigans, long sleeved tops, tights, trousers and fluffy socks.

• Nip in the shower – Sounds mad right? Why would you want to take your clothes off when you are so cold? Yet taking a hot shower or bath can help to get the blood circulating around your body helping you to warm up.

• Invest in a thermal vest – This was the biggest lifesaver for me during the winter months. For people who think a thermal vest is a bit old lady then you are wrong. Nowadays you can purchase thermal vests from any good retail shop, (I am happy to share with you where I got mine if needed), and they are just like any normal fashion top in a variety of colours. So much so you can actually wear them as an alternative to a standard T-Shirt, or as a layering piece.

• Eat at least one hot meal a day – Eating a hot meal or beverage may help raise your body temperature slightly as well as make you feel snug. Think of hearty soups and stews which are packed with goodness.

Hot Honeys

• Layer down – If you are getting too hot especially if you are having a flush then the easiest thing is to take clothes off. As with the cold cats you can have a look through your wardrobe and put together a pile of clothes that are you go to in hot moments. Think linen trousers/shorts, cotton t-shirts and dresses. If out and about make sure you wear clothes that you can easily take off such as cardigans and jackets.

• Nip in the shower – This time you want to have a cool shower or bath to bring your body back to a comfortable state and to remove any sweat that has built up on your body. If you are unable to because you are not at home then try running cold water onto your wrists for a quick effect.

• Invest in a fan – Whether they are electric or hand held fans are a great cool me down fix. You can choose bigger models which you can plug in at home or smaller versions which you can use on the go and are easy to pop in your bag and bring out when needed.

• Look at your bedding – If you are like me prone to night sweats then you may want to look at the bedding you use. Depending on how much you are willing to pay you can find a variety of cooling sheets. In general look for breathable fabrics such as linen and cotton that are made of natural fibres.

Next weeks symptom – Brain Fog