The Benefits of Cold Temps

I am not a big fan of cold weather, but apparently is has some great health benefits. Studies have shown that our brains work faster at colder temperatures. Keeping the temps a little lower at home could be a good strategy for students when studying for exams. I wonder if this would also apply to reading and retaining the information.

I can remember distinctly as a child during the end of the school year in June and all of us students having a difficult time focusing because of the heat. So, I imagine when the temperature is a bit too hot, our ability to focus diminishes. One reason for that could be due to our ability to regulate our body temperature. According to Adrien Ward, who writes for Scientific American, “humans need more energy to cool down than to warm up, so in hot environments, the body uses more glucose—leaving less available for the brain.” 

Cold Weather Exercise

Studies have also found cold weather reduces inflammation and pain, and that runners who go out in the cold weather recovered faster from their workouts. The cold weather also helps us burn more calories, so if you’re looking to boost your winter workout, the cold temps might help. 

Plus, you might get a chance to see some beautiful scenery with snow or ice that you can take a picture of as a reminder of the beauty that surrounds you. 

Try This

Keep a mood journal with a weather section to determine if there is a connection to your mood and the temperature. Specifically, if it is cold outside, make it a point to spend a few minutes in the cold weather and then track your mood for the rest of the day. 

For example: in a notebook create columns for the date, your mood, the temperature inside and outside, and a description of what you did. Keep track if you notice a mood change throughout the day. This is a good way to get to know yourself and how you are affected by the temperature. 

References:

• Surprising Health Benefits of Cold Weather
• How can our health benefit from colder temperatures?
• Why it's so hard to think in the heat