Bitter cold temperatures and Icy winds. Winter has many ways of exposing you to the cold. But just because the winter weather is cold, doesn’t mean you have to be. When the mercury drops, try these tips—they’ll keep you toasty and warm until you can make it back indoors, fireside
- Warm yourself first
It’s easier to change your body temperature than room temperature, not to mention more eco-friendly. Instead of turning up the heat, put on another layer of clothing.
- Wear a hat
Your mom may have said that you lose 80 percent of your body heat through your head, but that’s not actually true. If you’re otherwise clothed, you’ll lose heat from any surface that’s exposed. So put on your hat, even if you’re inside.
- Indulge in Foods That Help You Keep Warm
You already know that eating healthfully in the winter is important to fend off colds and the flu, but did you know it might help keep you warm, too? Eating extra healthy fats during the winter can help rev up metabolism, which in turn heats the body, according to Columbia Health.
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Turn on the ceiling fan
Warm air rises to the ceiling. Run your fan on its lowest setting in a clockwise direction to push the warm air back down to where you can feel it.
- We’re Sorry: Alcohol Decreases Core Temperatures
Although alcoholic beverages might make you feel warm, they actually decrease your core temperature and can be dangerous during winter months.
Switch between hot and cold water in the shower
Hot showers immediately warm you up, but cold showers improve blood circulation between your skin and organs. Cold showers are also correlated with a stronger immune system.
- Remember the “Three-Feet Rule”
Space heaters are a great way to add extra heat to colder rooms, but always remember to keep anything flammable at least three feet away from the heater at all times.
Flammable items include clothing, rugs, bedding and curtains. Also remember to place the heater on a hard, non-flammable, stable surface and to turn it off completely before leaving the house. Set a reminder on your phone if you’re afraid you’ll forget.
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Block drafts with a pool noodle
Keep heat in and cold out by cutting a pool noodle in half lengthwise, wrapping it in fabric, and sliding it under your door. It’ll stay put all winter, and you can re-use it at the pool come summer. (But we recommend you spring for a new one.)
- Watch Out for Furry Friends
You might be jealous of your dog or cat’s fur coat when temperatures drop, but they need to be kept warm, too. For that reason dog walks should be limited to 10 minutes.
Always remember to bring pets inside when temperatures begin to drop. If you have or know of animals that can’t come inside (such as farm animals or neighborhood feral cats that you care for), provide enough bedding and insulated shelter for them to keep warm. If temperatures are below freezing, remember to check their water and replace it if it has frozen.
- Dress your windows up in warmer clothes
If you’re not wearing a tank top or going sleeveless, your windows shouldn’t, either. Replace thin curtains with heavier wool or fleece drapes in the winter. But be sure to open them on sunny days for free heat.
- Monitor Fires
It’s easy to snooze in front of a roaring fire, but always make sure that fireplace embers are completely out before going to bed for the night.
Wood fireplaces should always have a glass or metal fire screen large enough to catch sparks and rolling logs.
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Go ahead, bake all day
Using your oven heats up the whole house. You’ll feel even cozier if you invite friends—and all their body heat—over to eat four dozen cookies.
- Don’t Warm Up Your Car While It’s Unattended
Although letting your car heat up before you hop in can be tempting, leaving your car running when you’re not around offers the perfect opportunity for thieves to steal it.
Instead, have a family member wait inside it while you finish getting ready, and then switch “shifts” with them when you have finished. Alternate who goes first to keep it fair.
- Start composting
If you’re already interested in composting, here’s another reason to do it: The microbial breakdown of organic material produces heat. Some people use it to warm up showers and greenhouses, but even small-timers in studio apartments can feel a difference.
- Assemble a Car Emergency Kit
Check the CDC’s car emergency checklist to ensure you are prepared in case you have a roadside emergency during inclement weather.
- Layer your covers with the thinnest, densest ones on top
It’s intuitive, but fluffy blankets should be closer to your skin. Thin, dense blankets should be on top to prevent convective heat loss. Bonus tip: Don’t put your bed directly against an exterior wall. You’ll be warmer if you leave a little space.
- Protect Pipes
Keeping the heat on isn’t the only thing you can do to protect pipes from freezing.
State Farm suggests letting your hot and cold faucets drip overnight and opening cabinet doors to allow heat to get to uninsulated pipes under sinks and on exterior walls.
Locate the water shut-off valve in your home in advance of a water emergency, so you know where to go if a pipe bursts.
- Stuff your coat pockets with DIY hand warmers
You could just buy hand warmers, but you’ll radiate pride and self-sufficiency if you make them yourself. All it takes is two Ziploc bags, water, and calcium chloride ice melt pellets from the hardware store.
- Bundle Up
It might seem obvious, but piling on a few extra layers is a great way to stay warm, especially if you have to be outside. Keeping your core warm is especially important when temperatures dip below freezing, so try wearing an extra shirt or two under your coat.
Should you or a loved one should get sick due to the cold, please seek medical attention to avoid it developing into something more life threatening. Please contact us on 737 and our Friendly consultants will be more than happy to give you advice or directions to your nearest clinic.