This post is in collaboration with Chums.
The first tip is to wrap up warm, it’s that simple as popping on an extra layer, such as a jumper can keep your core body temperature at the optimum level. Most people aren’t aware that it’s the most important part of your body for keeping warm. If your vital organs are nice and toasty, you’re more likely to be warmer all over. A jumper or cardigan from Chums suits super well, as they’re incredibly versatile and will keep you from reaching for the thermostat.
Personally I’ve learnt from spending my summer nights in tents at music festivals that if you pop on multiple thin layers, you’ll stand a better chance of keeping your body temperature up than having one thick layer. So perhaps layer up your jumper with a t-shirt and vest to feel super snug.
Add extra layers of clothing
Make a batch of hearty food
This is the time of year we should be indulging in piping hot food. It’s the norm to hit the pub with a toasty log fire and order in a hearty pie or roast dinner – and why not, it’s hot and tasty (a total win-win!)
During this chilly climate, I like to whip up casseroles, baked dishes, a classic pan of Scouse, hot soups or stew. Anything usually with a sauce as it holds onto a lot of heat and fills your tummy with warmth and comfort. I’ve also found that adding spices to my dishes can keep the body incredibly warm. Think back to a time where you had a curry that got the blood circulating around your body. Lack of body heat can occur from a decreased amount of blood flow, so think about all the tasty dishes you can bring some spices into to warm your bones.
Also any student will tell you that after they’ve cooked up a dish, they’ll leave the oven door open to heat the kitchen. So the kitchen due to its largely surface based construction is one of the coldest places (as well as the bathroom) so why not warm it up a smidge, and if you’re into it, the room will smell of delicious fresh food for longer.
Lets not miss out some classic desserts like cake and custard, or anything with jam or toffee in. As the sugar heats up to a burningly hot temperature and retains its heat for a long time. Save the ice cream until summer and indulge in something warming and sweet. A hot chocolate can give you a quick sweet and hot fix if you’re trying to watch your weight or fancy something smaller than a stodgy dessert.
I lived in a huge Victorian house many years ago, that was only occupied by wooden floors just how cold it can get. Our heating bill was ridiculous throughout the summer. It felt like we could almost pay for a holiday in a warmer climate for a similar price. But since moving to a home where most areas are carpeted and filled with scatter cushions, thick curtains and blankets galore – we were much happier with our overall warmth. Soft furnishings trap cold air, so I’d highly recommend wrapping yourself up in a blanket or making a cheap investment into exchanging your blinds for thick lined curtains.
Use more fabric furnishings
Ventilate the house
You might be thinking, woah Stephi this post is based on keeping all warmth and not letting it go. But trust me on this point! Most homes don’t get the chance to open their windows and doors throughout the autumn and winter in fear it’ll cool down their house. However this is a trick I learnt from my parents to get central heating cover. So air becomes stale after a period of time meaning it doesn’t retain it’s constant flow of warm or cool. By opening your windows and doors once a week, you’ll allow fresh air to become warm whilst flowing. This is also super ideal for getting out stale smells that can develop over time from a living space, freshening up your house from cooking smells, pet smells and sweat smells.
If you’d like to find out more tips on how to save your home from getting cold without the heating, then see below!
