Updated on 13th December, 2022 by Martin Astley

Winter can pose a real risk to your health, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions such as lung disease, heart disease, or musculoskeletal disorders.

Every winter, the death rate jumps, and with energy bills rising, more and more people struggle to keep their central heating on and their homes safe and comfortable when they need it the most.

But you can stay warmer over the winter without cranking up your boiler. Improve your health and reduce your energy bills with the following top tips!

Clothes

Several thin layers of clothes will insulate you more effectively than one thick layer.

Wool, cotton, and fleeces are particularly warm.

Wear ‘outdoor clothes’, such as scarves and woolly hats, indoors when required.

Consider buying thermal underwear and thermal socks.

Cover yourself with a blanket when you’re not in bed.

Wear warm clothes in bed.

Buy a hot water bottle or an electric blanket to stay warm in bed. Make sure you use your electric blanket safely!

Food

Eat warm, hearty food with plenty of carbohydrates, such as rice, bread, potatoes, and pasta.

Have a hot breakfast, such as porridge, to get you warmed up for the rest of the day.

Buy some tinned fruit and vegetables so you don’t have to go out to the shops regularly and always have some nutritious food at hand.

Have hot drinks to keep you warm and hydrated.

You

Try to stay active and move around; if it is too cold to go outside, do some housework or some light exercise indoors.

Care for your neighbours and relatives. If you are fit and healthy, take some time out to check up on vulnerable people to make sure they are coping well.

If you are well enough to do so, take part in hobbies and activities to get you out of the house and protect your mental health. The more time you spend out of the house, the less you need to use your central heating!

If you are eligible, get the flu vaccine.

If you notice any illnesses developing, visit your GP as quickly as possible.

Your home

Insulate your home. Speak with your energy supplier and local authority to see if they can help you arrange and pay for insulation.

Invest in draught proofing. You can get a professional to fully draught-proof your home, but if you want to save money, buy some draught excluders and foam strips and fit these wherever draughts get in.