5 Tips to Stay Warm

With the weather getting ever-so-frigid as the days and weeks pass, I find myself going outside only to realise my lack of preparedness halfway through the day. I have in my experiences learned some emergency tricks to help keep warm.

1. Hot beverages
   When I’ve forgotten my mittens, the worst thing can be to have frozen hands. They become stiff and using my phone, keys, buttons, or any other small task becomes impossible. This may seem like an obvious solution but I am surprised that more don’t do it! A simple coffee, tea, or hot chocolate often arrives too hot to drink anyway, so I have conquered many a cold day by clutching that little paper cup.
2. Protect your noggin
   Heat will escape from an unprotected head, so cover it however you can. A hat is the most relevant choice, but a scarf will work and so will a hood. Even protecting it from the wind will help to keep your body temperature up.
3. Don’t sweat it
   At first, the hot breath escaping you seems like an available resource—covering your mouth and nose with a scarf gets some immediate benefits and feels pretty cozy. Although this is fine if you’re just walking a block and you’re sure you’ll be in the warmth very soon, for prolonged journeys skip it. It will form moisture on the fabric and end up making you colder and can even freeze!
4. Hydrate and feed
   If your body is properly fed and has enough water, it will have the energy it needs to warm up. It’s hard work for your body. A machine can’t be expected to work overtime without the fuel it needs!
5. Layers, layers, layers!
   You’ve heard it before: Layers are the best way to stay warm. I have, however, made the mistake of thinking one giant blanket or coat will work better. It won’t. Fluffy internal layers like wool and cotton and wind-blocking external layers are always far superior. If you’re layering your blankets, also make sure to leave some space between walls and the mattress which will allow for better air flow.