Keeping warm in the winter is always challenging – and has been for generations. But thanks to modern technology and some clever insights, it is becoming more straightforward than ever before. Once you know what to do, you’ll wonder why you never tried these tactics before!
Here’s a rundown of some of the things you can try for yourself and your family. Let’s take a look.
Layer Up
Don’t just wear your Christmas sweater over winter. Yes, it might be thick, warm, and wonderful, but it is always more effective to layer up.
Therefore, choose your undergarments carefully. Put on a thermal vest and then add the rest of your regular clothes. You should discover you feel warmer and happier almost instantly (and can hopefully lower your blood pressure at the same time!)
Snuggle Up With Blankets
Don’t be afraid to put blankets on all your sofas and seating options so you and others can keep warm while watching family films. Get thick throws from your local homeware store that can trap heat and keep you warm even while you’re sitting still.
Be extra sure to keep blankets in the conservatory or shed to keep you warm if sitting outside. The wind can be biting and cool you down, even if you are wearing a thick coat. Again, you want as many layers as possible.
Focus On Your Extremities
Another pro tip is to focus on keeping your extremities warm instead of solely paying attention to your core. Warming your hands, feet, head, and nose will help to keep you feeling comfortable and prevent the dreaded chilblains.
Make sure you wear slippers when walking around the house and gloves outside. Thermal gloves for men and women are a good option because they are better than standard gloves for trapping heat. You can also wear a wooly hat indoors if you are experimenting with turning the heating down during the day.
Maximize Natural Heat
You can also try to maximize natural heat. (Yes, it does still exist in the winter).
Natural heat doesn’t come from the air temperature in the winter. Instead, it comes from solar radiation. Infrared rays enter your rooms and impart some of their energy into your carpets, flooring, fittings, and finishes. The net result is a higher temperature than if you left the windows open.
To maximize heat in your home during the winter, open your curtains and blinds during the day to let sunlight stream in. You may be able to raise your home’s temperature by a couple of degrees free of charge if it is a bright day. Then, in the evening when the sun goes down, close the curtains to trap the heat in your home.
Seal Drafts
Another effective way to keep your home warm is to seal drafts and prevent cold air from displacing the warmer air inside. Plugging all the holes and gaps can make a tremendous difference and means you don’t need to keep your heating on for so long.
If you have gaps under your doors, seal them with a door snake. You can get these from most homeware stores and they don’t cost much. If you notice any other holes, consider filling them with plaster. Preventing air exchange is one of the best ways to stop your bills from rising and keep your home toasty.
If you have gaps between your window frames and the surrounding walls, hire a professional to check them over. You may need to reseal or replace them, depending on their condition.
Move More
While it might sound like a strange thing to say, moving more can help you stay warm. Getting active raises core body temperature because more chemical reactions are occurring in your body. The more you use it, the hotter you will feel.
If you are feeling cold, try doing some household chores or go for a cycle wearing a coat. You should find that you warm up rapidly, even if the temperatures are sub-zero outside.
Add Foods To Your Diet That Heat You Up
You can also try adding foods to your diet that supercharge your metabolism. Chilli and ginger, for instance, can make you burn calories differently, helping you access them more easily and use them to warm your body.
You don’t need me to tell you that Christmas is the perfect time for these ingredients. Chilli and ginger-spiced cakes, chocolates, and even drinks can be an excellent way to spend the festive season.
Control Your Thermostat
If you still feel cold, take a look at your thermostat and see the setting. Ensure that the temperature is adequate for heating your home and making it comfortable.
Remember, you need a warmer temperature in the afternoon and evening than in the morning. That’s because your body naturally wants to be cool at night and can generate more heat in the morning when you first wake up.
Eat More Soups And Stews
You can also keep yourself feeling warm by eating more hearty meals during the winter, including soups and stews. Recipes with high water content impart more heat energy to your body.
If you’re really cold, you can try eating these meals wearing a coat. After a few minutes, you should feel substantially warmer.
Use Heaters In Specific Rooms
It is much more cost-effective to heat specific rooms than your entire home. Therefore, add heaters to the rooms in which you spend the most time instead of whacking on the central heating whenever you start to feel a bit nippy.
The most cost-effective heaters use infrared energy to heat your rooms. However, you can use conventional electric heaters rather than use oil to increase efficiency.
Cuddle Up With Other People
Finally, cuddling up with other people is an excellent way to stay warm during the coldest winter months. Sharing body heat helps you to create small pockets of air that keep you and everyone else warm.
So, there you have it: some of the ways to stay warm this winter on a budget. Which will you try?