I’ll be honest: when winter rolls in, I’m usually the first to wrap myself in a thick blanket and daydream about Cape summers. But what if I told you that embracing the chill could actually transform your wellbeing? It’s a mindset that’s gaining traction globally and South Africans are uniquely positioned to reap these rewards.
The power of cold weather
When we think of winter in South Africa, we conjure up images of misty mornings in the Cape, frost-tipped lawns in our homes, and those endless, blue-sky days that beg for a mug of rooibos. But beneath the surface discomfort, science reveals a hidden treasure trove of health benefits in the cold.
1. Sharper minds in chilly weather
It sounds counterintuitive, but studies have found our brains operate faster at colder temperatures. A 2017 study in the journal Thinking & Reasoning found that people performed better with mental tasks in cool environments, linking brisk air to improved concentration and cognitive speed. Next time you’re stuck in a winter work slump, try a brisk walk outside, science is on your side.
2. Nature’s detox, clearing out the lungs
Here’s something rarely discussed: cold air is a natural cleanser for your respiratory system. According to the Vhdehi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, inhaling crisp air helps clear mucus from your lungs and nasal passages by triggering your body’s vasoconstriction response. This reduces inflammation and can even help stave off infection – a natural immune boost you won’t find in a pill.
3. Burn more calories effortlessly
Winter is not just for comfort food. Research from Harvard Health shows that our bodies expend more energy to keep warm, which means you’re burning extra calories just by being outside. In other words: that evening stroll through your neighbourhood, bundled up in your favourite beanie, is doing double duty for your waistline.
4. Sleep better, stress less
There’s a reason animals hibernate. Cold weather nudges us toward deeper sleep, giving our bodies time to repair and reset. Sleep scientists at the Sleep Foundation have found that lower bedroom temperatures can improve both the quality and length of your rest. Pair that with the slower pace of winter life, and you’ve got a recipe for lower stress and improved mental health.
5. Cleaner air, fewer allergies
Winter in South Africa brings a drop in pollen counts and fewer pesky insects. With less dust and allergens swirling around, you’re less likely to suffer sneezing fits or allergic reactions. Take advantage of this “clean air season” by heading outdoors, whether for a hike or a simple wander through your local park.
Central to this embrace of winter outdoors is the Norwegian concept of friluftsliv (pronounced “free-lufts-leev”), which translates to “open-air living”. Rooted in Scandinavian culture, particularly in Norway, the philosophy embodies the belief that nature is essential to feeling alive, regardless of weather conditions. As they say, there is no bad weather, only bad clothing!
Try these simple, joyful winter rituals
- Walk with your friends, nature is your best therapy, and you won’t get charged. Instead of WhatsApp, try real face-time.
- Outdoor dining, ask for a table outside (just check for heaters!)
- Stargazing, crisp, clear nights are a winter gift.
- Run errands on foot, ditch the car, and rediscover your neighbourhood.
Winter shouldn’t just be a season to endure, it’s a chance to reset, reconnect, and build resilience. As psychologist Dr. Dana Klisanin once said: “Nature doesn’t resist winter; it adapts, deepens its roots, and strengthens from within.”
What if we did the same?
