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8 tricks for keeping warm at home this winter without breaking the bank

These tips will keep you toasty this winter in Spain without racking up huge energy bills

With the high cost of electricity and gas, many people are reluctant to have their heating on for too long in Spain in winter.

Worry not and freeze not, as we have some trusty tips that will keep you cosy at home this winter, without breaking the bank.

1. Go outside

OK, we realise this may feel counter-intuitive, but one of the top tips for keeping toasty in the winter is to go out more. The experts agree that spending more time outdoors, well wrapped-up of course, helps our bodies gradually acclimatise to the colder weather and we’ll be less sensitive to temperature fluctuations.

This tip has a double application in Spain: since a lot of the older houses aren’t as well insulated as we’d like, it can often feel warmer outside than in this time of year!

2. Dress and eat according to the weather

It’s often been said that there’s no such thing as bad weather, just wrong clothes for the weather, and this is especially true this time of year, when the sun could be shining at noon only for the mercury to plummet once twilight hits. It’s therefore important to always be prepared and carry a jacket no matter how warm the day, as the weather can change in an instant.

When it comes to food, our eating habits should be adjusted little by little as the seasons change so our bodies never have to make too much of an extra effort. Dishes in the winter should be warm and as energy-dense as possible.

3. Insulation

There’s little point in heating our homes if the energy is just going to escape, so thermal insulation is vital. Check that all of your doors and windows are well sealed because if you can feel air coming in, you can be sure that heat is getting out. All hardware stores in Spain sell good quality draft excluders which can make a big difference for a relatively low cost.

4. Take advantage of the sun

Throw open the curtains to the morning sun and allow it to heat your home. Blinds can be closed again in the evening to retain the warmth.

5. Use radiators strategically

If you’re using electric or gas heaters, place them at strategic points throughout the house to create an ambient temperature but don’t leave them on for too long. Likewise, at this time of year, it’s pointless to heat every room unless you’re using them. Instead, try to limit your activities to certain rooms in the house and heat these instead.

6. Pay attention to your joints

The cold can wreak havoc on your joints, causing stiffness and pain. Instead of huddling up next to the radiator, try a hot water bottle or heat patches to relieve the pressure.

7. Get moving

We all know exercise is a good way to get the blood pumping, and the cold weather shouldn’t turn us into couch potatoes. Get outside and get moving with a brisk walk or cycle and you’ll soon warm up. It’s the perfect excuse to reward yourself with a hot toddy afterwards, too.

8. Protect your skin

It’s our largest organ, but we often forget that fluctuating temperatures can be very damaging to our skin, one of our first defences against the weather. Take extra care of your skin this winter and ensure it stays hydrated, protected and nourished to avoid flaking and cracking.

Image: Freepik

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