7 Surprising Ways Winter is Good For Your Health

For most, winter means scarves, gloves and nights in front of the TV. December 1st hits and you wait with baited breath for your first winter cold – bring on the sniffles! But before you write-off winter completely, cold temperatures can have their benefits.
Check out the 7 surprising ways winter is good for your health. There is light at the end of the tunnel, although it might take till March for you to see it.


 

 

7 Surprising Ways Winter is Good For Your Health

Reduces pain
There’s no denying that we need to take extra-care during winter. It can exacerbate existing health conditions, worsen mobility and lower our immunity.
That being said, winter does have its plus points. In 2010’s Harvard Health Letter they discuss how some parts of the world praise cooler temperatures for their medicinal benefits. In Finland for instance, they are firm believers in the power of cryotherapy – an age-old process that relies on the extreme cold to decrease cell growth and supress pain.
This is supported further by a Finnish study, in which 10 women took cold-water plunges / full-body cryotherapy sessions for 3 months. The results found that the exposure to the cold increased levels of norepinephrine; a chemical associated with pain reduction.
Some argue that small doses of the cold works in the same way that ice supresses inflammation, but we’ll leave that for you to decide.

Assists in exercise
Don’t hang up your running shoes this winter. Instead, embrace the cold and start exercising – the winter chill works in your favour. According to Men’s Health, running in cold temperatures forces us to acclimatise, which in turn trains our body to use oxygen more effectively. Northern Arizona University found that regular workouts in the cold increased running speeds by 29%.
If that hasn’t persuaded you, a quick run in the cold can also help beat the winter blues. Exercise strengthens the immune system, reduces stress and increases endorphins (happy hormones) – so get moving!

Helps maintain a healthy weight
Contrary to popular belief, winter doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll pile on the pounds. We do like to overindulge at this time of year, which can lead to ‘holiday weight,’ but there’s nothing to suggest that the cooler temperatures force us to bulk up.
In fact, some researchers suggest the opposite. The Harvard Health Letter explains that the ‘brown fats’ within our body react best to cooler weather. The cold activates these fats and effectively burns calories (a little consolation as the festive season gets underway).

Start Socialising
Many will agree, winter is one of the most sociable times of the year – so make the most of it! Visit family and friends and celebrate the cold weather in style. Be that by getting festive or throwing a New Year party to remember, socialising with your nearest and dearest has considerable health benefits.
Heading out and meeting others can alleviate symptoms of depression. Socialising reduces stress, increases our self-esteem and allows us to build on the positive relationships we have. Don’t let winter lead to isolation and find comfort in being with friends.

Time to hibernate
For those who can’t face the cold, winter is also the perfect excuse to stay tucked-up in bed.  The decrease in sunlight creates shorter days and longer nights, which encourages us to sleep more.
According to the NHS, the shortage of sunlight causes our brain to produce more melatonin – a hormone that controls our day-night cycle and makes us tired. That’s why you feel sleepier earlier in the evening compared to summer.
This doesn’t have to be a bad thing. Make up for lost time and enjoy the need to sleep. Catch up on your forty winks so you’re ready and raring to go come Spring.
Hot drinks all round
Hot drinks and soups are a great way to cope with the cold. Those tasty hot chocolates not only keep you nice and toasty, but they’re also rich in antioxidants. Chocolate contains flavonoids that fight free radicals and promote good circulation, so don’t feel too guilty about this wintertime luxury.
Alternatively if you’re being well behaved but warm this winter, drinking a cup of hot water carries numerous health benefits. It has a cleansing effect that not only hydrates but also helps to ward of impurities and assists in weight loss.
https://uk.lifestyle.yahoo.com/7-surprising-ways-winter-good-health-090000063.html