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Cold and how it makes us feel

Tales from the Bear
15218816_web1_Kim-TalesFromBear

The other day when I got into my car before running some errands, I checked out my thermostat while shivering,brr.

I was surprised to see that it only registered -3 C. Hmmm, it felt so much colder to me that I got to wondering just why that was. I know that as we age our metabolism slows down and that makes us more susceptible to extremes.

I also know that with your metabolism any variance can make a difference. I was curious though as to why that matters. So, I checked into it. Ugh I know. I found one of the things that can help is watching our food intake. I think that sucks somewhat, personally, since I like cake and junk food as well as the next individual.

I have noticed that kids seem to not have as many problems with temperatures as we do, generally speaking. I learned a long time ago that the metabolism rate is usually higher for them since they are always growing. That is why teenagers eat so much. Also why they are little heaters, haha.

I also noticed before that most people who have more muscle tend to be less bothered by the cold as well. All of these showed up in my researching too. I was doing it right apparently. Something I had not known previously, was that if you are dehydrated you will have more problems keeping an even temperature.

You may overheat and/or get chilled easily. Hmm. Another big thing that I had no idea would matter is sleep. I know it should not make a difference, but it does. If you sleep the proper amount, then you will be less cold too. Who knew?

I decided to see what helps to speed mine up then, and hopefully warm me up along the way on these cool winter days. Well, I found naturally that food, and of course vitamins play a big part. More protein helps and lots of water. Cold or hot. Also, more greens to make our bodies work properly to digest them. Sigh.

I suppose that I could do more of these. I have to say it is more fun during the summer when most of us can pick those directly from the gardens, just sayin. I also found out that building muscle and getting some type of work-outs in to help burn those calories will enhance my metabolism too.

Now don’t think that I am just saying all this to keep you healthy. Nope, that is just a bonus. Haha. I am just letting you know that this is what will work to make our bodies more efficient, and in doing so we will be, you guessed it, warmer.

I figured getting warmer on days like these winter ones would be something that makes most of us happy. It will make me smile anyway. I guess even in winter when we only want to sit under a blanket with a book, day after day, it is wise to sometimes shrug that off and get moving.

So, keep in mind if you have extreme problems with any temperature then you should probably go see a doctor, but you can help yourself some along the way as well. Nothing wrong with a bit of activity and a nice hot cup of tea or hot chocolate.

A big steamy bowl of soup works wonders too when you are feeling that chill. One other item to keep in mind is to dress appropriately for the weather. Not even someone in tip-top condition or one with a super fast metabolism should go without a coat during the winter. We are only human after all and susceptible to having our skin freeze and burn.

So whatever you are doing this winter, whether it be outdoors or in, hopefully you stay warm.