You love the cold because it triggers a natural mood boost from dopamine and endorphins, reduces stress by activating the parasympathetic nervous system, and provides physical comfort like clearer skin, better sleep, and relief from feeling overheated. It can also be linked to your genetics (like the ACTN3 gene) or past positive experiences and conditioning, offering crisp air, beautiful scenery, and cozy feelings.
Are you a chionophile? If you are loving this cold weather, then you might just be!
Liking cold results from a combination of biological predisposition (metabolism, brown fat, sensory thresholds), psychological reward (arousal, mood associations), cultural conditioning, and learned adaptation.
Humans prefer cold foods and drinks in hot weather for physiological, sensory and cultural reasons. These reasons interact to make chilled items feel more pleasant, more refreshing, and easier to consume when ambient temperature is high.
Exposure to cold, in fact, stimulates the release of neurotransmitters that help create feelings of well-being, counteracting the chemical imbalances that occur in situations of anxiety. Cold also affects the functioning of the vagus nerve and helps to create a feeling of calmness in human beings.
A common mutation or genetic variant found in the skeletal muscle gene called ACTN3 (alpha-actinin-3) makes it easier for people to tolerate cold temperatures. The ACTN3 gene produces a protein of the same name.
Researchers found that ongoing exposure to heat over 80 degrees accelerated biological aging, which is how your body ages on the inside at the cellular level, regardless of how many birthdays you've had.
The 2-2-2 food rule is a simple guideline for leftover safety: get cooked food into the fridge within 2 hours, eat it within 2 days, or freeze it for up to 2 months to prevent bacteria growth, keeping it out of the temperature "danger zone" (40-140°F or 5-60°C).
Textural Preferences in Autism
Children with autism tend to have specific textural preferences when it comes to food. They may prefer foods that are smooth, cold, or crunchy in texture. Providing sensory foods based on their textural preferences can enhance their nutritional intake and make mealtime more enjoyable.
Doctors have stated, “Because your body has to work harder in the cold, your endorphin production is boosted, even more, leading to a happier state of mind,” said Kevin Plancher, a New York M.D.
Type C: Moderate or Temperate Climates
Often described as moderate in temperature and precipitation, type C climates are the most favorable to human habitation in that they host the largest human population densities on the planet. Type C climates are found mostly in the midlatitudes bordering the tropics.
Cold weather brings people together, we yearn for warmth, love, and connection. The holidays deliver big family meals, endless gratitude, and it just seems like time moves a little bit slower than usual. When the first winter breeze blows through the trees you can feel the magic in the air.
A “chionophile” is someone who loves and embraces winter - enjoying the cold and snowy conditions… ❄️☃️🎿🌨️ From the Greek word “chion,” meaning snow, and “phile,” denoting a lover or enthusiast. A chionophile finds joy, beauty, and a sense of wonder in the winter season… #winterphotography.
New research sheds light on the difference between cold and warm weather people. The study conducted by OnePoll found that people who prefer cold climates are generally more shy, quiet and sarcastic. Warm weather folks often describe themselves as outgoing and confident.
A person who loves Winter is known as a Chionophile. Snow and cold weather lovers fall under this phile. Chion is from the Greek word khiōn, which means snow.
Feeling cold often signals deficiencies in iron, vitamin B12, or folate, leading to anemia, which impairs oxygen and heat delivery; also, thyroid issues (hypothyroidism) due to mineral imbalances (like zinc) and poor circulation from other deficiencies (like omega-3s, vitamin C) can cause coldness by slowing metabolism or restricting blood flow.
The "6-second rule" for autism is a communication strategy where a speaker pauses for about six seconds after asking a question or giving information, giving the autistic person extra time to process it without feeling rushed, which helps reduce anxiety and allows for a more thoughtful response, reducing frustration for both parties. Instead of repeating or rephrasing, which can be confusing, you wait, and if needed, repeat the exact same words after the pause.
Around 90% of autism cases are attributed to genetic factors, meaning autism is highly heritable, with many different genes contributing, rather than a single cause, often interacting with environmental influences during early brain development, though specific environmental factors don't cause it but can increase risk. Twin studies show strong genetic links, with concordance rates between 60-90% in identical twins, and research points to complex interactions of many genes and prenatal/perinatal factors.
Chinning is a form of repetitive self-stimulatory behavior (stimming) that you may notice in children or adults with autism. It involves pressing, rubbing, or holding the chin against objects, surfaces, or even hands to gain sensory input or comfort.
Throw away all perishable foods that have been left in room temperature for more than 2 hours (1 hour if the temperature is over 90° F, such as at an outdoor picnic during summer). Cold perishable food, such as chicken salad or a platter of deli meats, should be kept at 40° F or below.
80% healthy, whole foods, and 20% for fun, less-nutritious treats. The key is consistency over time, not perfection at every meal. So, if one day you have a pizza, no big deal—just aim to get back on track with your next meal.
Massive biomolecular shifts occur in our 40s and 60s, Stanford Medicine researchers find. We undergo two periods of rapid change, averaging around age 44 and age 60, according to a Stanford Medicine study.
Sun exposure causes many skin problems. Ultraviolet (UV) light and exposure to sunlight age your skin more quickly than it would age naturally. The result is called photoaging, and it's responsible for 90% of visible changes to your skin.
You Maintain Physical Strength and Mobility
“Being able to move around easily, whether it's taking daily walks, climbing stairs, or carrying groceries, is a classic sign of healthy aging,” Dr. Badessa says. “Good strength, balance, and endurance mean you can stay independent and continue doing the activities you love.”