Hot take incoming! You may not believe me when I tell you this but I thrive in the winter months. Yes, the freezing, dreary, windy, icy, gets-dark-at-4 pm winter months.
I used to be a winter-hater just like the majority, but in recent years, I began to realize how much I thrive during the colder months. And I’m not just talking about December’s cheery holiday season-winter. I’m talking about the full-blown, harshly cold winter. Hear me out:
Not that I don’t complain about the wind tunnels, pelting ice, and salt at my face, or my hands turning numb when I forget my gloves, but I’ve learned that what I love about winter outweighs the flaws of the cold. Thus, I present to you the top five reasons why winter is the best, most underappreciated season.
- Pure. Magic.
Many people think that the magic of winter is confined to December with its holiday excitement, but if you pay attention, you’ll see that this winter charm carries on even in January and February. Freshly fallen snow, people casually walking on a frozen-over pond, pretty winter lights hung all around the Boston Common, watching ice-skaters glide across a frozen lake: all of these things are the most enchanting and magical parts of the year.
- Energy from the cold
I’ve recently realized that when I’m out walking in the cold, I feel a strange sense of energy take over. When I’m hot, I feel weighed down, but a cold breeze in my face, and suddenly I’m wide awake! There’s actually some evidence behind this. According to Dr. Andrew Huberman, exposure to cold weather releases adrenaline and norepinephrine, two hormones that keep you energized (and happy)!
- Bundled-up fashion!
Scarves, earmuffs, and jackets, oh my! Everyone talks about fall fashion (which, trust me, I absolutely adore), but winter fashion has a certain charm to it, in my opinion. Sure, you need to wear more in order to keep warm, but this allows for stunning layering, textured fabrics, and adorable accessories. Clairo’s adorable hat selfie is proof of how adorable winter accessories are.
- Getting cozy
Speaking of bundling up, getting cozy is one of the great joys of the winter cold! When you’re hot, there’s nothing you can do about it, but when you’re cold, you can bundle up under comfy layers! Plus, what’s better than cozying (yes, I’m using cozy as a verb) under a warm blanket with a cup of tea, and a picture of the fireplace crackling on your Roku TV?
- Winter months = new season of life.
Finally, and most significantly to me, the winter months are the start of a brand new year. January and February represent a new season of life and with a whole year ahead, these winter
days make me feel like anything is possible.
Look, I get it if 15 degree weather doesn’t make you too jazzed to go outside. But for me, I will be spending the next few months reveling in all the goodness that winter brings!