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.
