Taking a Look On the Brighter Side...

I personally love cold as opposed to hot weather but for those Cape Tonians out there who are finding it hard to cope in todays freezing temperature, I've compiled a list of 6 cold weather benefits to try and (at least decrease) your bad mood:

1. Cold weather burns more calories: Research shows that simply being cold burns more calories, because your body works harder to maintain its temperature. It also triggers “brown fat” in the body- a good fat that can burn off other “white” fat. (Alas, this won't be much help to me considering as soon as its cold- the fridge is my best friend)

2. It brings us closer together: When its cold and you're most likely prone to stay inside longer than you usually do, you are more likely to find the time to call your friends and family and in turn tend to chat with them for longer than usual, reducing stress and promoting happines!

3. It’s less likely you'll catch any diseases: Mosquitoes, ticks and other disease-infecting horrible little creatures have a much harder time surviving in winter, drastically reducing your risk of contracting diseases they can carry.

4. Its cuddle weather: Whats beter to do on a winters day than lie in bed all day and cuddle (your pillow counts too)... plus, hot chocolate is an added winter bonus!

5. It reduces inflammation: Much like putting ice on an injury, cold weather can reduce inflammation and pain on your body. Professional athletes and spa-goers have even taken to “cryotherapy” treatments, in which they're exposed to extremely cold temperatures for a short period of time in order to reduce pain and speed workout recovery.

6. Cold can pump up your workout: Exposure to cold temperatures, (even for short periods) can largely increase your energy expenditure for hours afterward.

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