Top tips to stay warm this winter
With temperatures dropping, make sure you know how to keep yourself and your home warm to ward off the winter bugs. Follow these handy tips to keep cosy over the coming months.
Keep moving
Staying active is a great way to stay warm, so try to move a little every hour. Remember, you don’t need a gym membership to get moving! Make exercise a part of your everyday routine by swapping the lift for stairs on your way into work, getting your squats in while you wait for your kettle to boil, or walking while you’re on the phone.
If moving is difficult for you, don’t worry. Try these gentle exercises you can do while sitting down.
Visit the Healthy Stockport website for more ways to get moving, whatever your age, interests or ability.
Eat and drink well
Warm up with foods like soup and stew, and try to eat at least one hot meal a day. Have plenty of hot drinks too.
It’s a good idea to stock up on some basics – like tinned foods, and frozen fruit and veg – so that you have enough to eat if the weather makes it difficult to get out and about.
If you need help getting food this winter, visit the council’s website to learn more about Stockport’s foodbanks, the Healthy Start scheme and support with the cost of living.
You can find advice on eating well on the Healthy Stockport website.
Keep your home warm
Heat the rooms you spend most time in, like your bedroom and living room. Pick a temperature that’s comfortable for you – at least 18°C is ideal. If there are rooms you use less often, turn off the radiators in them and close the door to save on energy costs.
Keep your curtains open during the day to let in the sunlight, but close them at night to help block out draughts. Shut your windows and doors too.
If you have wood or laminate floors, put down rugs. It will help to insulate and warm your home.
Get help with energy costs
If you’re finding it hard to keep up with your energy costs, you’re not alone. There’s lots of support available to help keep your home warm this winter, so make sure you check what you’re eligible for and reach out for help if you need it.
Visit the council’s website for a round-up of the support and funding on offer.
Find a warm space
You can enjoy a free hot drink in warm spaces across Stockport – visit the council’s events calendar to find one near you.
Look out for more details this December about the return of our Live Well Warm Spaces, where you’ll also be able to enjoy a free hot meal.
Dress well and layer up
Wear lots of thin layers rather than one thick one. This will keep you warmer as layers trap warm air between them.
When you go outside, wrap up warm in a coat, scarf, gloves and hat, and make sure your shoes are waterproof.
Remember to think toes and fingers – keep your hands and feet warm and the rest should follow.
Stay warm at night
Being cold can affect your sleep, so make sure you keep cosy at night. Wear fleece or flannel pyjamas, thick socks and slippers, and keep your socks on in bed if you get cold feet.
You can warm your bed using a hot water bottle or an electric blanket. Never use both at the same time; it can be dangerous.
Check in on your neighbours
Winter can be tough for everyone, but it hits especially hard for some, including older people and those with long-term health conditions.
If you know someone who might be vulnerable, why not invite them round for a brew or check if they need help with their shopping? It’ll leave you feeling a different kind of warm this winter.
Find out more
For more support to look after yourself, your home and others this winter:
