tips to stay warm in cold weather

Miss the sunshine? Join the club. The warm summer rays have now become a distant memory. In their place are clouds and rain. (Soon to be snow and slush, if it hasn't happened already.) That’s right. We are deep into fall…and winter is not far behind. Sick of feeling cold all day long? Tired of staying indoors? You don’t have to. These tips will help you stay warm day after chilly day.

Embrace Layering. It sounds cliché. Wear layers when you leave the house! Well, that cliché exists for a reason. This step is the most important when it comes to staying warm. Instead of throwing on a sheer t-shirt, layer smart this season. Start by wearing one form-fitting layer close to the skin. Then layer looser items of clothing over top. Don’t forget to layer on accessories as well. Two pairs of gloves, a hat, scarf, and thick wool socks. It might seem like a lot of clothing but these pieces are guaranteed to keep you warm, cozy, and in love with the fall season. Plus, you can always take off a layer if you start to feel too warm.

Pay Attention To Your Body. Find yourself shivering uncontrollably? It happens. Especially once the fall months start to give way to the winter months. Depending on where you live, this may happen earlier in the year. So pay attention to the signals and signs your body gives you. Particularly if you plan to spend a significant amount of time outdoors. Shivering? Shaking? Teeth chattering? This is a warning that you need to get inside and heat up. Even if that means a quick pit stop inside a local store or café. That break from the cold will help your body replace heat…. which helps you stay outside longer. Take small heat breaks whenever possible.

Think Ahead and Plan Effectively. Sometimes it pays to be prepared. Like when you can’t seem to warm up or even a walk to the bus or subway seems too far. Do your best to plan ahead this season. A few ways to do it? Keep extra change on hand (in case it is simply too cold out and you need to take the bus or grab a hot chocolate), an extra $20 (because sometimes a cab is a necessity), an extra pair of gloves and socks (keep them in a plastic bag to prevent them from getting wet), and a light snack (to re-fuel the body). With a little extra thought you can prevent a number of unfortunate weather related incidents.

Invest In a Few Hand Warmers. Know those hand warmers you always see at the check out line? Buy them! There is no shame in investing in a few hand warmers. They can come in handy. Plus they can be thrown into your purse, briefcase, or coat pocket. In case of emergency. Choose one-use warmers or grab a re-usable warmer. The choice is yours. The most important thing is to have them ready to go. Your hands will thank you when the temperatures drop below freezing.

Get Your Home Ready For The Cold. Okay. You have layers and hand warmers. Surely you are ready to tackle the cold. Well, what about your house? There are plenty of ways to keep your home nice and toasty. (And if you want it to look just as cozy, be sure to check out these fall decor tips here.) Seal up the windows to avoid a draft, set your thermostat accordingly, have plenty of blankets around, and change up your drapery. Confused about the latter? Heavier drapes can actually keep your house warmer. So, if you normally have lightweight or sheer curtains on your windows, swap them.

Don’t get left in the cold. This is your chance to prepare, plan, and tackle frosty temperatures like a pro. Why wait until winter knocks you off your feet? Put these tips into action now.

How do you stay warm in cold weather? Share your own tips below!