- Layer up with warm clothing: One of the simplest ways to stay warm is to layer up. Thermal layers are best, but if you don’t have any, multiple thin layers will work just as well. Lots of thin layers are much better than one thick layer!
- Invest in a quality winter blanket: A cosy blanket is brilliant for while you’re at home. Look for materials like fleece, wool, or down. For maximum warmth you could invest in a heated underblanket or throw. There are lots on the market to choose from.
- Use a space heater: If you don’t want to heat your entire home a space heater could be the solution for you. Heat up the rooms you spend most of your time, like your living room or bedroom, and turn it off when you don’t need it.
- Heat your main living space to at least 18°C (65°F): Sitting or sleeping in a cold room isn’t just uncomfortable it can be bad for your health. Aim to heat your home, especially your main living space, to at least 18°C (65°F).
- Seal gaps and draughts: Cold air sneaks in through windows, doors, and gaps in your home’s insulation. Keep warm this winter by sealing draughts or using draught excluders to keep the warm air in and the cold air out.
- Energy efficient comfort: Hot water bottles are an effective and affordable way to keep warm this winter. If you’ve had yours for a while, consider updating it. They do have an expiration date!
- Stay active: Exercise is a natural way to warm up your body. Moving increases circulation and keeps you feeling warm even on the coldest days. Staying active can help maintain health through the winter months, not to mention your mental health and wellbeing too.
- Don’t slip on your slippers: A good pair of cosy slippers are essential for keeping warm. Make sure they’re well fitting and have some grip.
- Sip on hot beverages: There’s nothing like a hot cup of tea or coffee (or even hot chocolate) to warm you from the inside out. A hot drink will help boost your body temperature and keep you cosy.
- Combat condensation: As we turn the heating up, we can find our homes are plagued by excess moisture. A dehumidifier helps to balance the moisture levels in your home. They reduce condensation and the likelihood of any mould issues too. There are options available to suit any budget.
- Where a hat, scarf and gloves: a coat just isn’t enough when it comes to cold weather. When you’re outside wear a hat, scarf and gloves to keep off the chill. Our busy lives mean we can forget the most simple things at times, so keep them with your coat or bag ready for when you leave the house.
- Ask for help if you need it: If you need help with warm home funding, visit the local council pages linked on our winter wellness page.
Simple steps to stay well this winter
Eat well
There is no specific ‘diet’ that can boost immunity. That said, there are foods that can help keep your immune system in tip-top condition. A balanced diet will give you the nutrients and vitamins you need to help you stay well this winter.
Stay active
Exercise helps you stay fit, encourages good circulation and can promote good immune function. It can be tempting to hibernate away during the winter months, but remain active. It may be helpful to alter your routine to account for the shorter days or cold weather.
Sleep well
Sleep is especially important in the winter, when viruses are common, the days are shorter and we might find ourselves battling winter bugs. It is essential for recovery from illness and for replenishing our energy. Put your sleep first with this helpful advice.
Winter vaccinations
Each winter the Flu and COVID-19 vaccinations are offered to vulnerable people to help stop the spread of these preventable, but sometimes serious, illnesses.
Find out if you are eligible and where you can have your vaccines here.
Stock up your medicine cabinet
Ideally, you should have a well-stocked medicine cabinet before getting ill, although we know in reality this might not always be the case. At very least it’s a good idea to have the basics like Paracetamol and ibuprofen, which can be bought at the supermarket for around 30p a pack.
In this video, Grimsby GP Dr. Nathalie Dukes shares what she thinks you should keep in your medicine cabinet.
Keep warm, keep well
We know that feeling cold doesn’t cause colds or flu, but did you know that it can affect your body’s ability to fight off viruses and infections?
It sounds simple, but staying warm is one of the most important things you can do to stay well this winter. This is especially important if you have a long term health condition like asthma, COPD or heart disease. We’ve put together lots of advice and information to help you keep warm this winter here.
Financial support and advice
East Riding of Yorkshire Council
Find information about financial guidance and support, warm spaces and budgeting in the East Riding here.
Hull City Council
Cold weather advice and support for staying healthy and warm in Hull is available online here.
City of York Council
There is lots of health, wellbeing and financial advice for people in York online here.
North Yorkshire Council
Tips for keeping warm, safeguarding your health, and accessing financial support in North Yorkshire is online here.
North Lincolnshire Council
There is a variety of information to help you stay well this winter in North Lincolnshire online here.
North East Lincolnshire Council
Information to help boost your health and keep your home warm in North East Lincolnshire is available here.
Get the right care
Choosing the right health service when you become ill or are injured can be confusing. Click below to find out about our local health services.
