Cold weather has a bad reputation. We’re taught to dread the winter months — the shorter days, the chillier nights, the prospect of colds and flus. Some of us skip town to escape it. Others literally count the days until it’s over.
But you know what? A lot of us secretly love it. And according to science, there’s a few good reasons why cold weather is good for you:
Sharper brain function. Do you feel mentally sluggish when it’s hot and humid? You’re not alone. Research suggests that higher cognitive performance is one of the benefits of cold weather. When the air is cold, your body needs more energy to keep you warm. All that extra energy can boost your focus and quicken your decision-making.
Better sleep. Your core temperature drops when you’re asleep. But if your bedroom is too warm, it can take up to 2 hours to cool down enough for restful slumber. (Experts suggest that for most adults, it’s best to set your thermostat between 66 and 70 degrees at night.)
Ideal workout conditions. According to research, the best marathon performances happen at 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Every 5-degree increase in temperature drops average performance by 2.7 seconds per mile. (This is one of the reasons why the New York Marathon happens in November.)
More ways to chill outdoors. We love a summertime swim, but nothing beats cold-weather activities like downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, ice skating, hiking, and so much more. (Check out this article to discover the best places to ski, sled, hike, and skate in the Hudson Valley.)
More ways to chill indoors. Skiing is great, but let’s not forget our favorite way to #upstateandchill: lodge-sitting! There’s nothing more rewarding than sitting by the fire after a long day on the mountain. That’s the best time for games and puzzles — or just connecting with friends over cold-weather cocktails.
More ways to accessorize. Who doesn’t love a layer? Honestly, we think this is one of the biggest benefits of cold weather: you can always combat it by throwing on a few more clothes. Here are a few of our favorite ways to accessorize in the winter months:
- Beanies are the great equalizer: everyone looks good in one, and one size fits all. Our eco-cotton beanies are made from reclaimed garments and recycled PET bottles with zero dyes or chemicals — so you can feel even better about looking so good.
- Long-sleeve Ts are the perfect base layer in fall, winter, and spring. Our favorite is the Upstate Arch T, available in charcoal or forest green, with a logo treatment as classic as a stone arched bridge.
- Our women’s collection includes some of our sharpest cold-weather clothes: the canvas-accented Glacier Sunset Sherpa Fleece from Pendleton, the Torun Mitt made from full-grain hairsheep nappa leather, and our exclusive wool-and-cashmere Cross Turtleneck.
Looking for more ideas on how to get the most out of your winter? We’ve got so much more in store. We’d love to help you achieve maximum chill in the colder months to come.
Yours in Discovery,
Andrew + Clark
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