As temperatures dip into the negatives this winter, it can be easy to avoid the outdoors in favor of a nice warm couch. However, classes and extracurriculars require walking and therefore exposure to the elements. Skipping important obligations as well as social gatherings can be all too common in the winter, when you want to avoid the biting cold at all costs. In reality, exposing yourself to the cold may have some unexpected health benefits. Next time you’re in between classes, eyes watering from the sub-zero temperatures, remember that you might be getting something out of what seems like frozen torture.
The Anti-Aging Magic of Cold Exposure
Society is continually reaching towards the anti-aging miracle solution. While spending a little more time outside in the winter won’t prevent symptoms of growing older, some studies have proven that exposure to the cold can extend the lifespans of organisms that operate similarly to humans. Colder temperatures can reduce inflammation and maintain cellular processes as the body ages, allowing for a healthier aging process. Additionally, cold temperatures can be used to treat inflammatory joint diseases, aiding bone health.
Glowing When It’s Snowing
Incorporating temperature into skin care is no new trend: using hot towels, refrigerating products and considering product weight are all common skin care tactics. Exposure to cold temperatures, especially cold water, can improve skin health. Pores can decrease in size, and fewer oils and sweat are generated. You are less prone to inflammatory skin issues in colder conditions, as blood flow is improved.
Sleet Dreams
Colder temperatures have also been correlated with improved sleep patterns. Other than improved comfort while sleeping, you are likely to experience less fatigue and stress from exposure to the cold. Lower temperatures have also been shown to activate the sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the “fight-or-flight” response, which can in turn improve overall alertness as well as emotional regulation. This allows the body to properly rest at night and stay awake during the day.
Improving Immunity
Despite popular belief, spending time outside in the cold can be beneficial to the immune system, preventing illness. Most of the time, sickness is spread more rampantly in winter because of a lack of vitamin D from the sun and the tendency to spend more time indoors in close proximity to others. Spending time in the cold boosts circulation and prompts your body to raise its internal temperature, slowing down viruses and bacteria which could cause sickness. Spending time outside moving and soaking in the sunlight is also good for your health no matter the season.
So, though the freezing temperatures of what seems to be an endless winter are becoming unbearable, the acknowledgement of wintry health benefits might make walking to class through the snow and ice seem slightly more appealing.
How do you find the silver lining in this winter cold? Let us know @VALLEYmag on Instagram!
