3 Ways To Keep Warm on a Cold Winter Night

Winters can be cold and ruthless — surely Jon Snow agrees. As pretty as it looks outside the window with lit outdoor fire pits, staying cozy indoors isn’t always easy. What happens when your HVAC system stops working? Or there’s a snow storm, marking up an entire week of the season’s frostiest nights? 

Staying warm isn’t just about being comfortable, it’s about health and safety. After all, the last thing you want is to wake up to a runny nose and a feverish body. But don’t worry because there’s plenty you can do to pack the heat in. 

Effective Ways to Keep Warm 

Layer up

If you’re feeling really cold, the first thing you must do is layer up. And no, this doesn’t just mean snuggling inside a quilt. Start with putting on a chunky sweater, leg warmers, and pajamas. The best way to trap heat is by putting on a snug set of undershirts and leggings. Soft and thick fabrics that stick to your skin prevent unnecessary heat loss. But don’t just stop there, grab a scarf and wrap it around your neck. Most people use scarves as fashion accessories when they go out without realizing they’re an excellent way to keep the upper body warm inside the house too. For optimal results, fold the sides for a thickening effect and stuff its edges inside the opening of your shirt. 

Naturally, none of this is enough when you’re about to nod off at night. Compared to fleece coverings and old-fashioned quilts, a weighted blanket does a tremendous job of keeping those pesky chills away. This innovative winter essential leverages pressure stimulation to regulate hormone production and ease sleepless nights during the winter.

Banish the cold away

If there’s a draft inside the house, no matter what you do, staying warm will feel impossible. The cold is supposed to stay outside, not ruin your indoor experience. 

Right off the bat, close all doors and windows. Then, spot areas of potential leaks and stuff them with an old T-shirt or tissues. Common culprits include antique keyholes as well as the space under closed doors, and between double-paneled windows. 

In case you don’t have anything to stuff the holes with, block the air with extra cushions and pillows. Naturally, you’ll only be able to place these next to a flat surface. It won’t be a perfect solution, but it’s still better than nothing. 

Keep a hot water bottle nearby

Even with a thick blanket and fuzzy sheets, beds can feel ice cold, especially before you slide in. If your body temperature isn’t enough to make it warm or the whole ordeal is taking too long, resort to a hot water bottle — it’s certainly not just for subduing sores. 

If you have two, put one under the blanket near your feet and the other on top over the chest. This way you’ll be heated from top to bottom, quite literally. That said, make sure you do this when you plan to stay in bed — after any trips to the bathroom or the kitchen! If you keep climbing out, the heat will escape, pushing you right back to square one. 

To take it up a notch, surround yourself with extra pillows on each side. This will slow down heat transfer even further and make your toes toasty warm.