It is the heart of winter, and not only is it already cold, but the east coast has to deal with a polar vortex. Know what that means? Yes, single-degree weather. You’ve probably had to deal with some days this cold already this winter, but it’s only going to get even colder, especially if you live farther north. How are we supposed to survive in this weather? Fear not, for I am about to provide you with a few foolproof ways to stay warm in the blistering cold.

1. Sit by a fire

Nothing’s better than sitting by the fire. Nice and warm and feels like home. If you have a wood-burning fire, be sure to bring in the firewood as quickly as possible so you’re not running out in the cold a bunch. Or, if you don’t have a fireplace, you can get nice and toasty by the oven.

2. Hand warmers

They aren’t the greatest, but they’ll help keep you warm if you’re outside in the elements. Shake them up, stick them in your gloves and boots, and you’re good to go for about thirty minutes or an hour. Just don’t be out too long or they’ll stop working and you’ll just have useless packets of nothing in your clothing.

3. Bundle up

The only acceptable way to go outside is if you’re wearing five layers of clothing. Long underwear, a sweater, a jacket, a coat, snow pants, a hat, earmuffs, gloves, two scarves, four pairs of socks, and snow boots. If you’re not dressed like the kid in A Christmas Story, then you’re not doing it right.

4. Cocoon yourself in blankets

You probably have about 100 blankets lying around the house in various places; time to take every single one of them and wrap yourself up in them like a cocoon or a burrito. You’ll be so warm and cozy you’ll completely forget about the frigid elements outside. Just don’t forget to grab the remote before you’re all wrapped up.

5. Eat or drink something warm like soup or hot chocolate

Nothing warms the soul like eating or drinking something warm. Soup is the ultimate cold wintertime food. There are dozens of different types of soup, give one a try. Or drink some very seasonal hot chocolate (or some coffee, if that’s more your style). It may burn your tongue or entire mouth, but it will be worth it.

6. Just don’t go outside

Honestly, who needs this cold? Just don’t deal with it. Avoid the problem entirely by not going outside until the polar vortex goes away and the temperatures warm up to a nice balmy 36 degrees. No one needs to go anywhere when it’s that cold out.