Staying warm this winter in the shadow of the cost-of-living crisis is no laughing matter, but with all this doom and gloom, there has to be a lighter side.
We look at all the practical and amusing ways to stay warm and positive. Here are our nine unusual ways to stay warm this winter (and some serious ones).
Animals are a great source of warmth, and they love cuddles too. If you don’t have your pet, borrow a friend’s or visit your local animal shelter.
Animal shelters always need volunteers to walk dogs, play with cats, feed the animals, and clean out their living quarters – they’ll be sure to appreciate the interaction (and the warmth).
As the weather turns, drafts and damp conditions can make our homes feel cold and unloved. It’s worth checking whether you can get a grant or a 2500 loan to cover the cost of insulating your home.
Log onto your council’s website, and any promotion or grant information should be listed there. To stay warm, you have to be well-insulated.
Exercise is a great way to generate heat, so get moving! Go for a run, do some yoga or housework – anything that gets you up and active.
If you can’t face going outside, there are plenty of exercises you can do indoors. Just be sure to do it sparingly, as you want to avoid becoming sweaty and exhausted. A little light exercise is all you need to get your blood pumping and raise your body temperature.
Wearing multiple layers traps heat better than one thick layer, so ensure you’re kitted out in thermals, socks, a hat, and a scarf even in the house.
Imagine dancing around the kitchen in your thermals; you can keep warm and make a Tiktok simultaneously (or not).
Read Also:
It seems counterintuitive, but drinking plenty of water (H2O) is one of the best ways to stay warm. Dehydration makes you feel cold, so ensure you drink enough water throughout the day.
A messy house is not only an eyesore – but it’s also harder to keep clean and dust-free in winter.
Dust mites love nothing more than a good old feast on your dead skin cells, and they can trigger asthma and allergies and make you feel generally unwell and grumpy.
Not to mention, feeling down will make you feel chilly, even if you’re not. So, give your home a good clean. It’ll make a big difference to your health – and your mood.
What you’re eating can have an impact on how warm you feel. Spicy foods help to raise your body temperature, so try adding some chili peppers to your meals.
Oily fish is also great for keeping you warm, as it’s packed full of omega-3 fatty acids, which help to insulate your body. Salmon, mackerel, sardines, and herring are all excellent options to keep your omega levels up.
A hot water bottle is an essential winter accessory. Fill it with hot water and snuggle up in bed or on the sofa. You can even put it in your pockets to keep your hands warm.
We love a hottie (the rubber kind ;).
Nothing beats a hot bath or shower to cozy you up on a cold winter’s day. Add some scented candles and soothing music for the ultimate relaxation experience.
Don’t stay in too long, as you don’t want to end up prune-like. We’ve added two more tips just because typing keeps our fingers warm.
Drink plenty of hot drinks this one is pretty obvious, but it’s worth repeating. Warm drinks heat you up from the inside, but holding a warm mug can also help heat your hands and arms.
Tea, coffee, hot chocolate, soups, and warm juices are all great options. Ensure you’re not consuming too much caffeine, as this can have the opposite effect and make you feel jittery and anxious.
Don’t use alcohol to keep warm (tempting, we know) – it might make you feel warmer in the short term, but it makes your body lose heat faster.
Check on your elderly neighbours – older people feel the cold, so check in on your elderly neighbors to see if they need help. It’s also worth checking that their boiler is working correctly and that they have enough food and supplies in the house.
Plus, a cozy chat with someone other than your cat can cheer up your day and the person you’re talking to. These simple tips will help you stay warm this winter – without breaking the bank. So bundle up, get cozy and enjoy the season.
