As we enter the colder months, many people find they're also heading into hibernation. During winter, we're far more likely to wave a white flag to Melbourne's dark and freezing weather and retreat indoors.

But with all this talk of carbon footprints and global warming (I'm not completely au fait with the issue, but my understanding is that if you leave the lights on when you go out, you're dooming us all to a cataclysmic Armageddon), the quest to save energy is also important. How can one warm the nest for winter, without powering up the heater? Here are a few quick and easy tips:

Wear more clothing.
This may sound a tad obvious, but you'd be amazed at how much body heat you lose from your feet and your head. Chuck on a pair of slippers, and maybe even a hat - I've taken to wearing an extravagant, fur-lined Russian Ushanka hat while pottering around my house. You can just opt for a beanie if you want.

Close doors.
Kitchens and bathrooms tend to be the coldest areas of the house, with few insulated surfaces. Closing the doors to these rooms before you settle down on the couch will help stop you shivering.

Move it about.
Just because you're staying indoors, doesn't mean you have to abstain from physical activity. Get a sweat going with a few daily sit-ups or push-ups - it'll keep you warm, and help fight winter weight gain.

Seal it up.
Gaps under front and back doors can often cause warm air to get sucked out of the house. Buying a draught-stopping inner door cushion to lie on the floor across the gap is a great way to lock the heat in. Those with a Tonia Todman bent can even dress the cushion up with some glitter glue and a pair of goggle-eyes. Hours of fun!

by Nick Bond