COLD: Brrrr. It’s been a chilly one this winter. Despite the frozen pipes, slippery roads and icy sidewalks, health experts say cold weather isn’t all bad.
Allergy sufferers know that plants don’t make pollen in winter, so the cold helps with feeling better. Mosquitoes and ticks have gone back to hell where they came from (just kidding, probably), reducing the risk of diseases like West Nile virus and Lyme disease.
Cold can boost one’s immune system by increasing the production of white blood cells, which can help fight infection. Cold can also tighten pores and improve a person’s complexion.
The cold reduces inflammation, with tests showing that folks who exercise outside in the cold have faster recovery times.
And here’s one for offices everywhere, studies have shown people work better when it’s cold. Higher temperatures correlate to less work getting done.
Being cold can trigger more fat burning in your body. And exercising in the cold boosts your body’s energy expenditure for hours after, meaning you burn more calories.
Cold weather also is linked to better emotional health. People are more likely to be home with family and friends, which makes them happier and more content.
Do you sleep better when it’s cold? It’s not just an old wive’s tale. The cooler, more comfortable environment helps regulate your body temperature more resulting in a better night’s sleep. It can also help fall asleep quicker, as it takes less time to regulate your body temperature.
While you might feel sluggish during the winter, cold can actually boost your brain activity.
And if you aren’t driving on treacherous roads during a storm, the snow can create a beautiful view.