Art, obsession, and identity
Cold weather clothes look good and come in a wide variety of fabrics. Layering is an art form that provides the opportunity to mix functionality with style.
There's a stillness in the air as the temperatures drop, making it a time for rest. Being based indoors means there is more time for slow hobbies like reading.
It's common for cold weather to have a lot less humidity, making the air crisp and invigorating. This freshness can have a revitalizing effect!
For those who suffer from allergies, cold weather can bring welcome relief. It's a time when it's possible to breathe more easily, as pollen goes dormant.
Powdery, snow-covered scenes are reminiscent of fairytales, while bare trees rise dramatically from the ground, making wonderful photo opportunities or the perfect setting for quiet contemplation.
Stargazers can rejoice in winter, when clear, cold nights provide the perfect conditions to marvel at the planets, stars, and constellations.
As you produce less oil and sebum in winter, you might notice less breakouts, too. What's more, some skin care products absorb better at colder temperatures.
Cold weather is the time to take advantage of all the fun winter sports activities that can only be enjoyed in the snow and ice, like skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and more.
The cold weather turns landscapes into enchanted winter wonderlands. Frost formations and icicles are beautiful and don't last long, so you have to admire them while you can.
In the cold, your body works harder to maintain its core temperature. It has to keep you warm and humidify the air exhaled.
Higher temperatures cause bacteria to multiply quicker in the summertime, leading to faster food spoilage. In colder temperatures, this process occurs more slowly.
Spending more time in the cold makes a type of fat, brown fat, more active. In humans, brown fat helps your body burn more calories (unlike white fat, which stores calories that many people actively try to lose).
One of the best things about cold weather has to be the lack of buzzing insects, ready to bite. A break from worrying about bug spray or screens is always welcome!
Delicious, flavorful, and warming winter meals like soups, stews, and casseroles can be savored in the winter months, providing a sense of comfort.
Enjoying coziness and comfort in front of a fire or with loved ones can help reduce stress and enhance feelings of relaxation.
Many people find cold weather puts pressure on the breath, and this is a good thing, as cold weather helps your body use oxygen more efficiently.
In a study from 2017, hikers were shown to burn 34% more calories at temperatures of -5°C (23°F) and -10°C (14°F) compared to when they hiked on 10°C (50°F) days.
Taking a cold water dip can provide a boost of endorphins, that could be lacking due to less light. Cold water swimming results in a slow, steady release of dopamine throughout the day, to keep you motivated and feeling good!
Sleeping in a colder room helps the body release the right amount of melatonin, while preventing cortisol, the stress hormone, from waking you up. Enjoy a deeper sleep that supports your circadian rhythm.
Cold weather can be good for your heart. Outdoor exercise in the cold challenges your heart to pump more oxygenated blood and to keep the body at a comfortable temperature.
It's normal to reach for a cold pack for relief from swollen joints. In chillier weather, the cold air can sometimes act as an ice pack to help reduce swelling and puffiness caused by inflammation.
Cold weather can be beneficial for the skin, as it constricts the blood vessels. This can lead to reduced redness and a temporary tightening of the pores.
Studies have shown people think more clearly when the thermostat is lower. Making decisions and remaining calm is easier, as they become less impulsive.
Exercise in the cold weather, while it might not sound appealing, has great health benefits. You can improve your circulation with a cold-weather session.
Cold temperatures are a time to embrace "hygge," a Danish concept of coziness and well-being. Creating an atmosphere of comfort and home brings hygge to life, regardless of your location.
But that's not all. Training in cold weather boosts your metabolism, and has been found to yield a higher metabolic increase than at milder or warmer temperatures.
Last but not least, winter time provides more opportunities to cuddle, which has been shown to release oxytocin, a feel-good hormone that makes everyone feel better.
Sources: (Daily Mail) (Reader's Digest Canada) (Deseret News)
Cold air tends to be less turbulent, making it better for those who use telescopes for an up-close view of far, far away. Depending on how far north you are, you can also see the Northern Lights in the colder months!
And while you might be prone to catching more viruses during the cold weather months, studies have shown the immune system is more so activated by frigid temperatures, helping you fight those viruses off.
As the temperatures begin to drop, we might feel we have less energy or motivation to spend time outdoors. Sometimes, the seasonal depression also comes knocking. However, by embracing what makes the cold weather seasons special, we can enjoy its surprising benefits. If you haven't thought about them before, there actually are many!
Intrigued? Click on to change your perspective on fall and winter.
The surprising benefits of cold weather
Bundle up, but it's not all bad!
LIFESTYLE Winter
Even as spring arrives, the benefits of cold weather shouldn’t be overlooked. While we often associate colder months with low energy or seasonal blues, they actually offer unique advantages. By embracing what makes winter special, we can appreciate its surprising perks—even as the seasons change.
Intrigued? Click on to discover the unexpected benefits of cold weather!