As the India Meteorological Department (IMD) extends its cold wave warning across Northern and Central India, staying warm has become a matter of health and safety . While reaching for a thick sweater is instinct, experts suggest that the secret to warmth lies in the science of layering and movement.

The common mistake Indians make is wearing one heavy layer. "You need a 'sandwich' effect," explains a recent health advisory. "Start with a moisture-wicking base layer (like thermal wear) to keep sweat off your skin. Then add an insulating layer (wool or fleece), and top it with a windproof outer shell. This traps 'dead air,' which is your best insulator against the biting Delhi or Punjab cold" .

But clothing is only half the battle. When you're stuck in a cold office or a bus stop, your body can generate its own heat through isometric exercises. If you start shivering, a reflex designed to generate heat, you can hack it. "Try tensing and releasing your core, glutes, and thighs for a few minutes," suggests research cited by health portals.

These invisible contractions can raise core body temperature without making you sweat, which would ironically make you colder later . Combine this with protecting your core with a vest or 'gudri' and wrapping a muffler around the neck to keep carotid arteries warm, and you can brave the chill without solely relying on room heaters .