With a bitter cold snap gripping the nation and energy bills still a major concern for households, the UK government has issued vital advice on how to stay warm indoors this winter, highlighting one remarkably simple and completely free technique.
The Free Hourly Movement Hack
As temperatures plummet and parts of Britain are blanketed in snow and ice, the official guidance offers a powerful solution that costs absolutely nothing. The key advice is to avoid sitting still for more than an hour at a time.
The government explicitly advises: "When you are indoors, there are things you can do that will help to keep you warm and reduce the risk of developing medical problems, for example try not to sit still for more than an hour or so." For those who find moving about challenging, the guidance suggests that even stretching your arms and legs can generate valuable body warmth.
How Movement Generates Heat
This free method works because any form of physical movement, no matter how small, helps to boost your circulation and generate internal body heat. This includes a wide range of light activities, from fidgeting with your toes to performing simple stretches.
Everyday tasks like housework can effectively get your blood flowing and raise your core temperature. If you're feeling more energetic, you could even have a quick dance in the living room or walk around while talking on the phone. The consistent act of getting up each hour to make a cup of tea is another simple way to maintain body warmth effectively.
Additional Cost-Effective Tips for a Cosy Home
Beyond the free movement hack, the government and experts outline several other budget-friendly strategies to keep your home warm without constantly turning up the thermostat. Key recommendations include:
Layering up with warm clothing and consuming hot meals and drinks.
Keeping doors shut to contain heat in occupied rooms.
Drawing curtains at dusk and using draught excluders to block chilly air from entering.
Ensuring radiators are not obstructed by furniture and using reflective foil behind them to direct heat back into the room. For a budget alternative, tin foil works almost as well and costs less than £2.
Adding rugs to rooms with hard flooring like tiles or laminate to provide extra insulation. For a super low-cost option, laying down old blankets or even cardboard can offer a surprising warmth boost.
Addressing cracks in wooden floors with an inexpensive wood filler to prevent precious heat from escaping.
By combining the free hourly movement hack with these other practical measures, households across the UK can better protect their health and manage their energy costs during the challenging winter months.
