Keeping warm and well during winter

Follow our steps to help you stay safer, warm and well and cope with cold weather this winter.

Keeping yourself warm

  • If you can get outside for a walk during the day in winter, you'll not only maintain your fitness you'll be helping to banish the winter blues. Remember to wear thin layers of cotton, wool or fleecy fibres to keep you warm. 
  • Stay inside in bad weather if you don’t have to go out. 
  • If you are going outside, make sure you wear shoes with a good grip and a scarf around your mouth to protect you from the cold air, and to reduce your risk of chest infections. 
  • If possible, try to keep your living room warm throughout the day and heat your bedroom before going to bed. 
  • To minimise the risks to your health, if you're not moving about as much at home and inactive for long periods you should wear warm clothing indoors and if possible, heat your home to at least 18°C (65F). 
  • If you use an electric blanket always check it regularly for signs of wear or damage. Never use an electric blanket and a hot water bottle at the same time. If you're in any doubt about your blanket, contact the manufacturer before you use it to make sure that it is safe. It may need to be replaced. 

Keeping well in winter

  • You'll naturally feel more tired during the winter, it's important to have a good night's sleep but eating your five-a-day fruit and veg will also help boost your energy levels. 
  • Stay as active as you can, any exercise can bring health benefits. 
  • Try to stock up on food essentials; long life milk, bread in the freezer and make sure you have enough medication. 
  • Keep in touch with friends, family and your community. 

Look out for others

Other people, such as older neighbours, friends and family members, may need a bit of extra help over the winter. 

There’s a lot you can do to help people who are more frail than you: 

  • Keep an eye on elderly and vulnerable friends, relatives and neighbours who may be more susceptible to the cold weather, especially if they suffer from any ongoing medical conditions.  Ask how they are keeping warm during cold weather. 
  • Make sure they’re stocked up with enough food supplies for a few days, in case they can’t go out.