Winter can be brutal with its severe temperatures, inclement weather, biting winds and the spread of cold and flu viruses. All these factors can be tough on our body, making an impact on our health and wellbeing. However, the same unforgiving weather might get you some health benefits, believe it or not. Continue to read to find out how the colder months really affect your health and the surprising health benefits winter comes with. Also, bust some misconceptions about winter health like how stepping out in the cold with wet hair would get you sick? So not true.
#1. The cold makes you smarter
Your brain works and performs better in winter, research shows. Colder temperatures help boost the brain to tackle more cognitive problems. Why your brain doesn’t work in a similar fashion during summers is because hot environment uses more glucose than required to solve and work mental processes. To break it down further, your body uses more energy(glucose) to cool itself down when it is hot than it does to warm it up when you’re cold. This leaves less glucose for the brain.
So, this might be a good time to work on that pending presentation or even try your hand at the MENSA test before the temperature rises again!
#2. Winter can lower inflammation & fight allergies
if you experience inflammation ever so often, good news for you. Winter helps with inflammation and to decrease swelling and pain. The cold air might give you the chills, but it could help your inflamed and puffy joints since it acts as a natural ice pack to reduce inflammation.
Similarly, chances of being susceptible to allergies during winter are less as allergens, for instance, pollen are less likely to be present in the cold and snowy air. However, winter hasn’t got you fully covered from indoor pollutants like mold and dust mites which can actually be worse during the most wonderful time of the year.
#3. You do not lose heat only from your head
This is one of the false beliefs people have about how the body works during winter. Your head is not the only place you are likely to lose heat from. The truth is, you will lose heat from any uncovered part of the body. Research says, “people actually lose no more than 10% of their body heat through their heads.”
So, bundle yourself up with not only hats but also gloves, scarfs to keep warm before you brave the weather outside.
#4. You burn more calories than you gain
You might think amidst the holiday season, cozy blankets and comfort foods it’s easier for a few extra pounds to sneak in. But it turns out, the cold weather can help you lose those calories faster. Our bodies use a considerable amount of energy and works harder to maintain our core temperature and keep us warm. The body’s metabolism rate goes up, so you end up burning calories without even trying to.
It makes sense why you’d think the contrary- that sweating in the summers help you lose more weight but that’s not always the case.
#5. You are MORE likely to fall sick during winter
Yes, there are chances that the drop in temperature can lead to a drop in your health. Experts are of the view that the winter season is when we have more respiratory infections as we tend to spend more time in enclosed spaces and sitting close by to people. Another reason you can get sick more in winter has to with low humidity. According to health experts, “as winter contains low humidity levels, the amount of moisture that surrounds the virus evaporates, so the virus remains in the air for a sufficiently prolonged time to affect you.”
On the bright side, the saying that you can catch a cold by getting caught in the rain is not really the truth and it is safe to rule it out as a myth.
#6. Winter dehydration is a thing
It turns out, you can suffer dehydration in winter just as much as you can during summers. But the dry air of winter has the potential to dehydrate you as well. It is the dry indoor air that makes you reach for that glass of water.
#7. Exercise can be a good idea
According to research published in Medicine & Science in Sports and Exercise, working out or exercising in the cold weather helps with burning more calories in less time, and also increases your endorphins levels. Now that’s a way to start your mornings! We know it’s not easy to let go of your warm comforter but a quick run in the great (cold) outdoors can keep you energized for the rest of the day.
#8. You sleep better
Many of you might have noticed changes in your habits related to the changes in the weather. Seems like, the chilly weather has an influence on how we sleep.
Temperature plays an important role in the body’s functioning, even during your sleep as your body’s core temperature naturally takes a slight drip when you sleep. This helps the body to put to sleep quicker and better. Ideal temperature are said to be between 60-67 degrees, with cooler temperatures in this range being linked to deeper sleep, according to studies.
