Keeping yourself warm

Instead of turning up the heating, you can put on another layer like a jumper or a fleece.

Wearing a few thin layers will keep you warmer than wearing one thick layer because layers trap warm air between them.

Cover up with a fleece blanket when you are sitting still or try using a hot water bottle.

Keeping your hands and feet warm will make you more comfortable. It helps by keeping warm blood flowing around your body.

How to keep your feet warm

Wear thick socks and slippers when you are indoors. This will help trap heat and keep your feet warmer. When you're outside, wear thermal socks and shoes that are waterproof if you can.

How to keep your hands warm

Wear gloves even when you are indoors. Gloves made of wool are best for keeping your hands warm. You can also use hand warmers.

You can also wear layers of thin socks or gloves which will help to trap warm air close to your feet and hands.

Temperatures drop when it gets dark, so in winter it's important to keep as warm as possible at night.

Bedding

Staying warm in bed is important for us all in winter. Use extra blankets or buy fleece bedding if you can. These are the warmest kind, as they trap body heat better than cotton sheets. Using tog duvets will also keep you warmer (duvet togs range from tog 1 to tog 15. The higher the tog, the better for warmth, meaning you'll be a lot warmer if you choose a higher rating).

Electric or weighted blankets

An electric blanket is a lot cheaper to run than a heater. It provides constant heat through the night. Weighted blankets are very comforting and keep you warm by stopping draughts.

Pyjamas

Wearing warm clothes in winter is important at night. Fleece pyjamas will trap body heat and keep you warm. Don't forget your feet, socks will keep your feet warm and help you sleep.

Hot water bottle

Hot water bottles are cheap and stay warm for hours. Try putting one in the bed about half an hour before you go to bed. Take care filling the hot water bottle and make sure the stopper is tight before you use it.

Moving around now and then is a great way to keep warm.

It will help you with your strength and mobility. Try not to sit still for more than an hour at a time. You could walk up and down the stairs or put some music on and dance!

If standing is difficult, you can still move in your chair, lift and lower each arm and leg, or make circles with your hands and feet.

Moving any part of your body will help, it's important you do what feels right and safe for you.

Hot food and drinks can help you to keep warm, so try to have at least one hot meal a day and as many hot drinks as you can.

Try to eat a range of foods everyday including fruit and vegetables (frozen and tinned are as good as fresh). Try to keep your cupboards stocked with basics in case you can't get out to the shops.

Remember it's better to eat something than to eat nothing – even if it's a slice of cake.

Respiratory illnesses, like flu and coronavirus, are more common in winter, so it's important to get your vaccinations.

If you're 65 or over you might be due a coronavirus booster jab. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

You can get a free flu jab from your doctor or pharmacist if you:

• are aged 65 or over
• care for a friend or family member
• are under 65 and have a serious long-term health condition
• live in the same house as someone with a long-term health condition
• are in residential care

If you get the free flu jab, ask about the vaccine to protect you from pneumonia. Also ask about the Shingles vaccine.

Rearranging your furniture can help too. In winter move your sofa or chairs in a place that gets the most sunlight and heat. If you work from home, you could put your desk in a sunny spot.

Try to keep furniture out of draughts and never put sofas or large items in front of radiators or heating ducts because they will block the heat into the room.

The cooker can help to heat your kitchen. When you use the oven in winter try leaving your oven open for a while after you are finished.

Watch out for scams pretending to be from energy companies and Ofgem. Never click on links asking for personal or bank details and always report any scams to: www.actionfraud.police.uk

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