How to Keep Warm in the Winter

The right clothing An inexpensive way to keep warm in the winter is to buy thermal shirts and leggings. They usually come in a set, and keep you warm and dry. They work best if they are close to your skin. Loose thermals will let cold air circulate around your body, and you don't want that. In order to ensure a good fit, buy a size that is one size larger than what you normally wear. When you wash them, they tend to shrink a size smaller. Also, try to get at least two pairs to alternate wearing them. If you don't, the thermals will tend to itch when they are dirty. A good jacket to get is one with an outer shell that will not let air in. By the outer shell, I mean the outside part of the jacket that faces the air and the elements. A coat filled with downy feathers is a good way to keep warm. Good materials for the inside of the jacket are wool blends, heavy cotton, cotton, and cotton blends. Wool blends are wool and cotton, with the majority of the material made with wool. Cotton blends are cotton and polyester, with the majority of the material made with cotton. Wool, cotton, wool blends, and cotton blends are easy to clean, PROVIDED that you take good care of them. Wool and wool blends are best to clean a few times out of the year. If anything gets on to your jacket, it is best to clean it right away, but gently. If you wash and dry anything wool, it will shrink.
(Now that I have gotten off-track a little bit, let's continue.)
When buying a jacket, it is best to get it a little form fitting to your body. You don't want it too big, or cold air can get in. If you buy a jacket for the winter, you want it a little snug around your body. This will ensure that you are properly insulated. Not too tight though, other wise you will feel uncomfortable. When buying gloves, the thicker the better. But you don't want them too thick, you might need to get something from your pocket or use your cell phone. Jeans over thermals will usually keep you warm, but in cold states like Colorado you will freeze. Insulated pants are made for the cold, and they work great.

Keep you feet warm
The body gives off most of its heat through the top of the head and through your feet. To keep your feet warm in the winter, boots are a good way to go. But not just any old boots. They have to keep your toes warm, have reasonably good traction, and you should be able to walk comfortably. There are several reasons for this. If you are walking in the rain or in snow, the elements are sure to cover the toe part of your boots. If they are not made to keep your feet warm, that cold water or snow will make your toes cold. The better traction you have, the more likely it is that you have a thicker sole. This means better insulation from the elements. And if your boots are comfortable to walk in, the less energy you exert in your stride. Nonsense you say? Wouldn't it be better to be nice and hot in the wintertime? Yes, but there is such a thing as being too hot. So would you rather be nice and comfortable, or would you rather be sweating and burning up from heat, ruining and soiling your clothes??

Cover your head
If you have the luxury of long or thick hair on your head, this helps you out in the wintertime. With long hair you can put the ends in a bun behind your head and go out side with earmuffs. Or if you have thick hair, you can trim it evenly all around your head to keep it warm. Beanies are great for the wintertime. They fit close to your head and trap the heat from escaping.

Socks?
Dress socks are not going to cut it. Heavy cotton socks work well, but wool and wool blends work better. You have to keep in mind on how cold it is though.

Eat some food
When you eat food, it plays an important part in regulating your core body temperature. It gives you energy, as well as help with changes in the air around you. Hot foods keep you warm, but only for awhile. Teas, hot chocolate, and warm beverages warm your body up quick, and for much longer.

Keep your home warm.
To stay really snug as a bug in a rug, check your windows and doors for drafts. Waterproof window caulking will fix most window drafts, and for doors install a little strip of rubber along the bottom to prevent cold air from blowing in. There are easy to install kits at home improvement stores. To keep your floors warm, use rugs.

Don't forget your car
There are rubber seals around where you car doors close. There are two sets. One set is along the outside of the door, all the way around it; and the other set is where the car doors close upon. On most older cars the seals are old and need replacing. Installing new seals improves your A/C, and prevents air from coming in or out. Check your freon in your car to ensure that warm air blows warm. If it doesn't work right, you could be blasting the heat without knowing something might be wrong with it.