Cost effective ways to keep warm this winter

Wearing lots of loose layers of clothing works better at trapping the heat than thicker clothes. If it is particularly cold, try wearing thermal base layers to give more insulation.

If your hands get cold, try wearing fingerless gloves as for some people keeping their wrists warm can make a real difference.

Your feet play an important role in regulating your body temperature. Keeping your feet warm can make a big difference to feeling warm whether you are inside or outside.

You can try knitted or thermal socks and slippers to help insulate your feet.

As it gets colder, using an electric blanket or heated throw are alternatives to staying warm. Even though the cost of electricity has gone up, prices starting from £20 and the lowest running cost being roughly 2p an hour. These types of blankets could keep you warm for less than turning on the heating.

Even though boiling your kettle uses electricity, drinking a warm drink can increase your body temperature. The hot mug will also give extra warmth to your hands.

Whilst you have the kettle on why not make a hot water bottle. Read our next tip.

Using a hot-water bottle can be used to keep you warm day or night. You can put them in your bed before you go to sleep or have them by your side in the day for warmth and comfort.

As well as providing warmth, they are helpful for soothing aches and pains.

This information has been written, revised and edited by Macmillan's Digital Content Editor team and checked by Macmillan's Cancer Information team.

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