Man, let me tell you, we were in a real bind. Our heater decided to quit on us. And this happened right in the middle of winter. We went three whole days without it.
The thermometer hit zero degrees. My family was shivering non-stop. Not to mention, we didn’t even have hot water.
I had to figure something out fast. I’m going to share what I discovered with you today.
That way, you’ll be ready if you ever find yourself in the same mess.
11. Use Candles
Candles are often used for decoration, but they can give off a good amount of warmth.
Arrange several candles together on a table for a simple heat source.
Always be safe when using candles. Keep them away from flammable materials and places where they could easily tip over.
And remember, make sure all candles are extinguished before you go to bed.
10. Get Materials that Keep You Warm
Nature often gives us the best solutions.
Wool is the perfect material to keep us warm. Sure, it can be a bit itchy sometimes. But there’s nothing better to keep you toasty.
Think about it: why do sheep have wool? Or why do animals have fur?
Because these are the best materials to protect them from the cold.
Here are a few more examples of materials that keep you warm:
- Fleece
- Down
- Thermal Fabrics
9. Keep Moving to Stay Warm
Here’s a simple trick: move around, and you’ll warm up. When I’m freezing, I do squats, climb stairs, jog in place, or jump rope. This gets my heart pumping and warms me up from the inside out.
Just 15 to 30 minutes of this, and you’ll feel toasty for an hour.
8. Snuggle up In a Sleeping Bag
I get it, not being able to move freely isn’t fun. But trust me, a good sleeping bag does the trick. Go for one that’s rated for zero degrees or lower.
It’ll keep you warm during winter nights and is also perfect for camping, bushcraft, or survival training.
7. Stay Warm with Layers
Wool is great for warmth, but it has a downside. If you sweat and it’s cold, it gets uncomfortable.
Why? Wet wool drains your body heat.
Then, add a wool or wool-blend shirt. Next, put on a wool sweater.
Finally, if needed, add a vest or coat.
The magic of layering is that warm air gets trapped between layers, thanks to your body heat, which keeps the cold out.
6. Cozy up With Blankets
Blankets are fantastic for staying warm.
You’ve probably heard this before, but it’s true: wool blankets are the way to go.
Thick wool blankets are the best. Big wool blankets that can cover your whole family work wonders.
Sharing body heat makes it super cozy and warm for everyone.
5. Emergency Heating Options
The heaters are great, but they need electricity. That’s why I’m bringing up these alternatives last.
In case of a blackout or gas crisis, you should turn to gas heaters, fireplaces, or stoves. It’s wise to have these on hand for emergencies and store them safely. Check out my guide to emergency heating for lots of ways to keep your place warm.
4. Keep Your Fingers Toasty
Cold fingers are a real hassle; you can’t grip properly.
Chopping wood, cooking, and even getting dressed becomes a challenge when your fingers are freezing. So, wear gloves.
Go for wool gloves. Some types have fold-back fingertips. This lets you do tasks quickly and precisely without taking off your gloves.
3. Keeping Your Body Heat
Dress warmly. Yeah, it might feel silly to wear a hat indoors, but your body loses heat. You want to keep as much of that heat as possible. Wear a wool hat that covers your ears – it’s the best for warmth.
You’ll notice a difference immediately.
Up to 10% of body heat escapes through your head.
If you stay warm from the inside, your fingers and toes will stay warm too.
2. Keep Your Toes Warm
Here’s a summer trick: dunk your feet in cold water, and you’ll cool down fast.
So, you can see how important your feet are.
When it’s cold, do the opposite: wear wool socks.
If that’s not enough, add another layer of socks.
And then slip on some insulated shoes.
1. Hot Drinks
A hot drink warms both your hands and your body. There’s nothing like hot soup or tea to keep you cozy. If you have power, use an electric kettle or your stove.
If you’re off-grid, consider using a portable gas or propane burner for your hot drinks.
But what if the power goes out too?
You’ll need a cooker that burns gas, wood, or coal. Never use outdoor cookers like wood gasifiers, gas stoves, or hobo stoves inside your apartment. Just don’t!
If you have no other option for making hot drinks, take your outdoor cooker outside or onto the balcony.