With temperature dropping into the minuses, people with essential tremor often find that their tremor worsens. In addition there are lots of seasonal viruses such as cold and flu. 

These tips will help you cope with the cold weather.

1. Wrap up warm
Wear several layers of clothes rather than one chunky layer – clothes made from cotton, wool or fleecy fibres help to maintain body heat.

2. Carry a hot water bottle
Hot water bottles and portable heat pads can be useful for extra warmth – and if you’re going on a journey.

3. Bring a flask
When travelling around you may want to bring a flask of hot drink such as soup or hot chocolate to keep you warm.

4. Keep your heating on
Keep your bedroom at 18C all night if you can – and keep the bedroom window closed. During the day you may prefer your living room to be slightly warmer than 18C.

5. Get a flu jab
Find out from your GP if you can get the flu jab for free on the NHS.

7. Get your heating checked
Get your heating system checked regularly by a qualified professional.

8. Take care when walking on ice
Take care when walking through icy conditions as slippery paths and pavements can be unsafe for anyone, but you should take extra care if you have mobility problems or suffer from dizziness or balance problems.

9. Stay active
If you can, stay active – moving about will improve your circulation, generate heat and make you feel better.

10. Eat well and watch out for warmers
It is important to make sure you are eating and drinking properly, as this will keep your energy levels up and help your body to cope with the colder temperatures. Eat hot meals and plenty of fruit and vegetables. In addition, alcohol is often thought of as a “winter warmer”, but it can deceive you by making you feel warmer than you really are.

Have you been affected by any of the issues in this story? If so, please get in touch on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

(This information was adapted from The Brain and Spine Foundation, Cold weather tips for people with neurological conditions).