Everyone loves to complain about winter. It's cold. The howling wind and below-freezing temperatures chap your skin and numb your face.
You have to wear so many layers just to go outside that getting ready takes like 20 minutes! Then there's all the ice you have to avoid slipping on, and all the snow you have to shovel just to get anywhere. Yuck!
No wonder so many people just want to sleep winter away.
Instead of dreading the season, consider this: what if winter, with all its snow, wind, and ice, actually has some hidden benefits for your body and mind? What if winter is actually good for you?
Well, it just might be true! Winter might be cold and wet, but it also has unique benefits that can help lead to a healthier you. Of course, there is one requirement: you have to go outside!
Read on to see what the cold, dark season might be secretly hiding for you. It might just convince you to pull on your boots and test these ideas for yourself.
If you find that winter really isn't your season? Well, at the very least, it can make you appreciate the warmer months all the more!
Thumbnail Photo: Flickr
1. Snow Makes You Work Out
If you've ever trudged through even just a foot of snow, you know how hard it is.
When you finally get where you're going, your legs probably ache, and you might have worked up a sweat under all your layers. Ugh, what a pain.
Really, though, it's no so different than working out. It's aerobic exercise that gets your heart pumping, and you don't even have to go to the gym.
So, while trudging through snow might be hard, think of it as nature giving you a free workout.
Just be careful in snowy weather, and always wear warm clothes and slip-proof shoes!
2. Snow Lets You Sleep In
More than half of Americans say they don't feel they get enough sleep, and lack of sleep is seriously damaging to your health and well-being.
So, when you're snowed in, use that time to catch up on your sleep.
There's nothing nicer than staying snuggled up while the snow comes down outside, and a snow day gives you the perfect chance to get a few extra hours of z's. You'll get up feeling refreshed and full of energy.
3. A Day Reading Is Great For Your Brain
Going out and playing in the snow isn't for everyone, but that's OK!
Spending the day curled up with your favorite books is a perfect way to spend a snowy day.
Reading has been shown to have all kinds of benefits for your brain, such as improving memory and concentration, and increasing learning capacity, so spending a day reading is actually great for your health.
4. Snow Makes You Take A Vacation
We all need a break sometimes, and we know we need a break, but it can be hard to actually take one. We have responsibilities, bills to pay, and our own drive keeps us plugging away.
On the other hand, when you're snowed in, you're forced to not do anything. It can feel a little jarring, but it also forces us to slow down and give ourselves some much needed rest.
When you finally return to work, you might find yourself more productive as a result.
5. Snow Gives You Time To Cook A Healthy Meal
When we're on the go, mealtime becomes about convenience rather than nutrition, and it can lead to a lot of bad food choices.
If you're stuck at home, it's a great opportunity to try out that complicated recipe you've always wanted to make, but never had time to try.
It's also the perfect time to get the whole family together around the table. You're not going anywhere, so it's the perfect time to regroup as a family over a healthy, home-cooked meal.
6. Snow Lets You Spend Time With The Family
Speaking of family, it really does feel good to hang out with those folks from time to time.
Since everyone loves a snow day, everyone's going to be in a good mood.
Get everyone together to go sledding, build a snowman, or blow of some steam with a good, old-fashioned snowball fight.
7. Snow Is Fun!
Even if winter isn't your favorite season, you have to admit that snow is a little exciting. It turns the everyday world into a magical wonderland.
Snow makes it suddenly possible to walk in the middle of the street and has the unique ability to bring out the kid in everyone, inviting us to climb, explore, and slide.
8. Snow In The Winter Means Easier Gardening In The Spring
If you love to garden, snow is your best friend. When snow blankets the ground, it provides a layer of insulation (even though it's cold) that protects bulbs and roots.
It also helps last year's dead leaves and grass break down into nutritious mulch that will feed spring's flowers. When it melts, it also provides plenty of water.
9. Snow Helps Ease Aches And Pains
Cold is an old remedy against aches, pains, and swelling, but it doesn't have to come in the form of a cold compress. It can take the form of a cold environment.
In cold temperatures, one study shows, the blood boosts its levels of norepinephrine, a natural chemical produced by the body that reduces pain.
10. Snow Boosts Your Energy
Do you kind of have an urge to go run and frolic outside when you see snow? That's normal.
Exposure to cold or freezing temperatures has been shown to boost energy levels, even if the exposure is short.
Being outside, even if it's just running to get the mail, can perk you right up and give you a jolt of energy that's better than any cup of coffee.
So, has this made you rethink winter, or did you always like the cold anyway?
Let us know how you feel about winter in the comments, and SHARE to make someone else warm up to winter!
