Winters can be incredibly harsh in the hills, as temperatures that may be tolerable in the plains feel considerably colder in hilly regions. The wind factor and the reduced hours of sunlight play a significant role in intensifying the cold. However, with the passage of time, I have acquired the skills to keep myself warm. I have mastered numerous simple techniques and discovered effective strategies that have proven invaluable. Allow me to share this comprehensive list with you, in the hopes that it will assist others in embracing the winter season while staying warm. Whether you reside in a region where winter has already passed or is yet to arrive, I encourage you to bookmark this article and revisit it whenever you feel the chill creeping in.
Multiple Layers
In cold climates, it is widely known that layering clothing is more effective than relying on a single layer. For instance, wearing two thin sweaters is more beneficial than wearing a single thick wool sweater. Even when sleeping, using two blankets, stacked one on top of the other, provides better insulation than a thick quilt. If the blankets also have covers, it adds an extra layer of warmth. The key is to embrace multiple layers!
So which woolen trousers are you planning to wear on the next chilly day? I recommend wearing comfortable inners and donning on any trousers or jeans you like rather than opting for single warm trousers.
This approach not only helps you stay warm but is also environmentally friendly and budget-friendly.
Keep your Head and Feet Warm
While it’s essential to keep your body warm, it’s equally important not to neglect your head, including your ears, and your feet. Ensuring they stay warm is crucial for overall comfort. Additionally, I have found that the masks that became prevalent during the pandemic serve as a fantastic accessory for the face in cold weather. I often use a mask for a few minutes when my nose feels chilly, even if I don’t have any plans to go outside or meet anyone. It provides a quick and effective way to warm up and maintain comfort.
Warm House
There are a lot of heating options available. We are dependent on wood-fire for most of our heating needs. Creosote is the biggest enemy of wood-fired heating systems. Keep that in check by burning hot fires, using dry wood, and cleaning the chimney lines once in a while.
Fireplace : Here are three pointers for those of you using fireplaces – 1. Use dry wood, 2. Let the fire breathe by letting in fresh air (open the glass doors if you have those in your fireplace), 3. Prime the flue by burning newspapers and tinder first.
Fireplace Inserts / Stoves / Bukhari : For those of you using wood-fired fireplace inserts or wood-fired stoves- 1. Using dry wood goes without saying. 2. Close the glass door as soon as the fire gets going strong. This helps the appliance do its magic and burn a cleaner fire. 3. Don’t throttle the fire by closing air intake vents.
Traditional Coal Stoves / Sagarh : They do give heat but are a certain health hazard. Use them only in open areas and never indoors (regardless of what hill folks might say)
Space heaters like oil-radiators do make the environment comfortable but I personally prefer direct radiant heat. Though, in our homestay, for our guests, I do have space heaters. Hot air blowers are also good for space heating but I find their noise irritating.
Whatever heating method you use, switch it off for the night! It’ll save you money, it’ll save the environment, and it may save your life too!
If you are using wood, procure it from sources that actually produce wood in a sustainable way, rather than chopping down the first tree you see.
Small Things that Make the House Warm
Open the window curtains in the morning to let the sunshine in and close them as soon as the sun disappears to keep the heat in.
Install all your water heaters inside the building instead of outside. None of them are 100% insulated and the heat loss will happen to your home’s interiors.
If the weather is dry and cold, keep your bathroom door open when you take a hot bath. The moist warmth from the bathroom will help!
Fancy baking? Do it in the evening and then after completing the baking, leave the oven door slightly ajar. The heat from the oven while it cools down, also helps. The heavenly smells of fresh-baked cake or bread are an added plus.
Keep Yourself Warm
Prepare a kettle of boiling water and treat yourself to a comforting cup of hot coffee or tea. This not only helps replenish the necessary fluid intake that many tend to overlook during winters but also warms you from the inside. Furthermore, the residual hot water in the kettle gradually releases its warmth, contributing to a cozy atmosphere within your home.
For those seeking an extra touch of warmth and relaxation, a small dose of brandy or rum can work wonders. While it is true that alcohol, in general, can lead to a loss of body heat, in our relatively milder winters, a moderate amount of alcohol can actually make one feel better. It imparts a pleasant warmth to the extremities and aids in relaxation. However, it’s important to note that maintaining proper body warmth remains crucial even when enjoying a drink. Also note- alcohol is bad for health. There is no safe limit. Even tiny amounts are not recommended so take this advice at your own risk.
Hot Water Bottles / Bags
No electric blankets, no running heaters…. For me, night time is a time to switch off all these heatings and enjoy a calm sleep under a quilt or blanket (sometimes under two of them). However, there is this one thing that always helps. A hot water bottle! I fill it with water from a hot water tap in the bathroom. It’s not boiling but still quite hot. No, electrically heated hot water bottles or bags don’t work as well as this ancient technology.
I prefer to slide one under the quilt just before sleeping, close to my feet. If I am feeling really generous to myself, I add a second bottle near my back. They do feel warm even after many hours.
The Right Way to Cover
While you’re taking measures to stay warm, consider wearing a cap while going to sleep, like the kind Donald Duck wears when going to bed. It can help retain heat and prevent heat loss from your head.
Avoid layering too many warm clothes such as sweaters or jackets. Your chest and abdomen, being the core of your body, generate significant heat. Allow that heat to spread naturally under your covers, warming up your extremities as well.
Use layering method with your blanket or quilts too, however, it’s important not to overdo it. Excessive warmth may cause you to sweat, leading to dampness and subsequent cooling. This can result in a cycle of feeling too hot and then too cold throughout the night.
Lastly, when shopping for blankets or quilts, opt for a larger size. Even if you sleep on a single bed, consider getting one designed for a double bed. The additional size provides more coverage and insulation, ensuring maximum warmth and comfort.
Family Stays Together
This is the best thing. When the family sleeps together in one room, on one bed, or close to each other. The body heat adds up. Even if the people are sleeping in different corners of the same room, it still adds up. It’s comfortable for everyone (as long as no one snores loudly and there is space for all). It also works magic on emotional bonding.
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