There are times when we all feel a bit chilly and do not have a source of heat. This is only given as a guide for infrequent situations, you should always consult an expert, as keeping your body at the right temperature is vitally important. Take care of yourself, you only have one body.
Step 1
If this is a regular occurrence and you find you need the heat on even at times in the summer, go see your doctor.
Step 2
Long term: If possible and after checking with your doctor as to what is suitable: Take regular exercise. This should, in theory, improve your circulation.
Step 3
Short term: You can try lots of thin layers. This is a tried and true method used by cyclists who, while struggling up hills, overheat, even on a cold day, then going down hill freeze as the air cools them.
Step 4
Too cold? Add a layer. Being thin layers, hopefully they won't make you look like a snowman/woman!
Step 5
When you have warmed, you can peel off a layer or two.
Step 6
If you are fit enough and in a non-hazardous environment, and there is a bit of music on, and you are not annoying anyone, try some gentle movements to the sound.
Step 7
Dusting and vacuuming are exercises that can warm you up.
Step 8
Wear fur. Make sure it's real; faux fur can't keep you warm to save your life. Another option is to obtain a single, rather large pelt (beavers, foxes, or even larger-variety rabbits are good size) and wrap it around your hands.
Step 9
Some of us prefer to leave fur on animals, you may be able to utilize the body heat from a friendly pet.
Step 10
Snuggle up to another person, check they don't mind first.
Tips
- Check that you are not underweight. Although fat in excess is bad, it is a natural insulator.
- Don't worry about how you look. Keep those baseball hat manufacturers in business, and wear one indoors!
- Keep your feet and hands warm.
- Avoid sitting in draughts.
- Wear a scarf.
- Remember that after a meal, more blood is diverted to your stomach so you may feel a bit cooler.
- Alcohol might give you a warm flush, but you will be losing heat.
- In some parts of the world, elderly people are eligible for heating benefits and help with house insulation.
- Be prepared. If going out, take a windproof coat, warm hat etc. Better have it and not need it than need it and not have it.
- Keep dry, especially on a cold day.
- Outdoor/camping shops often have a good selection of clothing that is good at retaining heat, yet light weight.
- Improvise. For example, if sitting watching the television, use a blanket or small duvet to cover you and keep you warm.
- Buy a giant Teddy bear and hug it!
- Hug a pillow. When sitting, it will keep your upper body warm. (Make sure you are not allergic to its contents.)
- If you have a partner, cuddle them. Go on, don't be afraid, but ask them first, as some people are not so keen on sharing bodily warmth!
- Drink a warm drink or soup. Take care that it isn't too hot.
- If you know some who lives in a cold country, ask them how they cope.
- Sheep have nice woolly coats, so you could try a woollen jumper.
- Before going on a holiday or expedition, research and ask lots of questions as to what the climate and accommodation is like. If friends have been, ask them what they took, and what they wish they had taken.
- Be prepared to pay a bit extra for decent quality clothing and bed products.
- If you're in a foreign country, check out what the natives are wearing.
Warnings
- You should consult a physician as there are conditions such as poor blood circulation, low body fat, Raynaud's/Raynard's disease etc. that may cause you to feel cold.
- Make sure that the room temperature is within safe limits.
- Beware of hypothermia.
- If in doubt, ASK.
Things You'll Need
- Baseball cap or similar. If outdoors, take a warm hat.
- Warm boots or shoes. In boots, you might be able to wear more than one pair of socks.
- If outdoors, windproof clothing
- Lots of tee-shirts and other thin layers
- Fur (make sure it's real!)
- Friendly pet or person (if available)
