02 JAN 2018: Well, here we are, smack dab in the middle of the darkest and dreariest time of the year. The holiday highs and turkey-induced comas have passed, and suddenly the snow’s festive flair has been replaced with frustration. We long for the warmth and vitality those endless summer days bring, meanwhile, existential questions arise as to why we ever decided to live in a climate like this in the first place.

Pretty well everyone likes summer. A smooth talker with dashing good looks and irresistible charm, we simply feel better when summer is here. Winter, on the other hand, is more akin to the shy sibling that nobody pays much attention to. But, once you get to know her, you’ll find her understated allure intriguing and arguably more restorative.

Winter months, with increased darkness and cooler temperatures, give our bodies a chance to rejuvenate. We rest more, spend more time relaxing indoors, and often go to bed earlier with the earlier setting sun. It is no coincidence we feel more inclined to cozy up in front of the fireplace with a warm mug of tea and a good book. Imagine the possibilities if we embraced the potential these cooler days bring.

Jack Frost may be nipping at your nose, but he is bringing some highly sought-after health benefits, too.

Here is why we want winter.

The ultimate beauty sleep.

Our body temperature naturally falls overnight, regardless of the season. In cooler temperatures our bodies are able to cool down faster, allowing us to achieve a deeper and more restful sleep. In cooler rooms between 60-66 degrees Fahrenheit, our bodies produce more melatonin (our sleep messenger) supporting brain function, with anti-aging benefits to boot. So don’t be afraid to save on heating costs and indulge in a little extra winter beauty sleep. Your body will thank you.

Improve your productivity.

Dopamine is the motivational messenger that signals it’s time to light a fire under the old/young tush to get things done. Dopamine levels get a boost with exposure to the cold (even a cold shower in the morning can provide these benefits). Kick those sluggish feelings to the curb and reenergize yourself on some ice skates, snowshoes, skis, tubes, or whatever else the kids are up to these days.

Reboot your metabolism.

Simply shivering from the cold will burn more calories, but beyond that, the cold actually transforms regular white fat into brown fat. As unattractive as brown fat may sound, it actually has the very attractive job of burning calories that can help us achieve that svelte figure. Picture brown fat as your insulation. This is the good kind of fat that is responsible for burning glucose sugars to produce the heat that will keep you warm. Studies have also linked brown fat to improved insulin sensitivity. So, in English, embracing the cold will give you more brown fat which is linked to a lower risk of obesity and diabetes. Ice hotel anyone?

Winter is not a punishment we must endure until summer returns again, so enjoy this season for all it has to offer.

Instead of always looking to escape your winter blues by chasing the sun, perhaps consider some winter destinations to travel to instead. Dog sledding, northern lights tours or even hot springs in northern countries are enticing options that don’t require any ski bunny experience.

The beauty of it all is that even a short trip to a snow covered cabin can be restorative. Imagine the woodsy seclusion, fire blazing, surrounded by family, a loved one or even just your own company. These are great moments for reflection, connection, and rejuvenating that truly help us reboot.

How’s that for combatting the holiday indulgence and kick starting those New Year’s resolutions?

Winter – bring it on.