While a cold snap continues to grip the country, research suggests that embracing the cold can have a number of surprising health benefits, including boosting metabolism and improving mood.
As snow falls across the UK today and temperatures drop to -7°C (19°F), experts claim that a cold bath or run in the fresh air – even for just a short time – will do wonders for your health .
Decades of research have shown that exposure to cold, whether in the form of a bath, shower or exercise outside during the winter months, has a number of benefits.
From boosting metabolism to rejuvenating the skin to improving blood circulation and strengthening the heart, embracing the bitter cold has been found to naturally help the body achieve optimal health.
Researchers at Aston University in Birmingham claim that exercising outdoors in winter can have many benefits, not only for your body, but also for your mind.
Experts insist that a cold bath or a jog in the fresh air – even just for a short time – will do wonders for your health this winter (Photo: Shutterstock)
Snow fell across the UK today as temperatures fell to -7C (19F), with further ice warnings and an amber health warning for the rest of this week (Image: PA)
As a woman was caught in a snowstorm on the street in Orpington, south-east London this morning, experts believe that a cold bath or a jog in the fresh air – even if only for a short time – can do wonders for your health will do (Photo: Grant Falvey/LNP)
Exercising in the cold not only helps you fight the symptoms of a cold or flu, but it also reduces your risk of getting it.
Your immune system has to work harder because of the lower temperatures and is better prepared to fight off foreign invaders and their irritating symptoms.
Exercising in the cold can also strengthen your heart, as the vital organ has to work harder to pump blood throughout the body and keep your heart in tip-top shape.
Winter blues or Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) occurs because the days are shorter and your body/mind does not get enough light and endorphins.
Experts at Aston University claim that exercise in winter has a particularly profound impact on mental health, boosting key feel-good hormones and keeping the winter blues at bay.
In fact, research has shown that proper exercise can relieve symptoms of depression up to four times more effectively than taking antidepressants.
Getting outside in the fresh air in cooler temperatures can not only be an effective mood booster, but can also help replenish vitamin D levels and rejuvenate your skin.
This applies to cold showers as opposed to hot showers in the winter, as hot water can strip your skin of its natural oils and dry it out, while cold water helps constrict blood vessels, temporarily constrict pores and reduce redness.
Exercising in the cold can not only combat the symptoms of a cold or flu, but it can also reduce the risk of getting sick.
A person walks through a snowstorm in Lenham, Kent this afternoon
Getting out into the fresh air and taking a cold shower when temperatures are lower can replenish vitamin D levels, tighten pores and rejuvenate your skin (Photo: Shutterstock).
Sleeping in a cool room helps your body release enough melatonin and prevents cortisol from rising and waking you up, resulting in a much deeper sleep in the winter (Photo: Shutterstock)
Sleeping in a cool room ensures that your body releases enough melatonin and prevents cortisol (stress hormone) from rising and waking you up, which contributes to a much deeper sleep in the winter.
The cooler temperatures in your bedroom help you fall asleep faster by creating an environment that allows your body to release excess heat and support its natural circadian rhythm.
Exercising in cold weather maximizes your calorie burn and can help you control your weight because your body works much harder to control core temperature.
As the body works to stay warm, your metabolism goes into overdrive and your body burns more calories and fat.
It’s one thing to enjoy the freezing winter temperatures while you’re on the road to improving your health, but what about submerging your entire body in ice-cold water?
According to dr. Samantha Wild, clinical lead for women’s health at Bupa GP, believes that cold water therapy benefits the body in many ways, although the evidence is rather sparse and based on small studies or people’s experiences.
The purported benefits of cold water therapy include reducing muscle soreness and stiffness after exercise by reducing swelling and inflammation.
Cars parked during a snowfall in Lenham, Kent, this afternoon
Exercising in cold weather maximizes your calorie burn and can help control your weight as your body works much harder to regulate core temperature
The practice is also said to improve blood pressure and cholesterol levels, strengthen the immune system, improve general and psychological well-being and possibly help with depression.
Meanwhile, experts at the University of Portsmouth have warned inexperienced people to be careful when diving in icy open British waters. It is not yet known if there is a specific length of time or temperature that works best.
They point out that “less is definitely more” and that showering and bathing are a less dangerous option because you have more control over temperature and exposure time compared to open water.
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Crystal Leahy is an author and health journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a background in health and wellness, Crystal has a passion for helping people live their best lives through healthy habits and lifestyles.
