01/24/2026
❄️ What Freezing Temperatures Do to Your Body (It’s More Than Feeling Cold)
When the temperature drops, your body goes into survival mode—not comfort mode.
Here’s what’s really happening behind the scenes 👇🏽
🧊 Blood vessels tighten
Your body pulls blood away from hands, feet, and skin to protect vital organs. That’s why fingers ache, joints feel stiff, and chronic pain flares.
🔥 Your metabolism shifts
Cold exposure increases energy use at first, but it can also raise stress hormones and cravings—one reason winter weight gain is common.
💪🏽 Muscles tense and shiver
Shivering burns energy fast and can worsen fatigue, muscle pain, and blood sugar swings.
❤️ Your heart works harder
Cold raises blood pressure and increases strain on the heart—especially for people with hypertension or heart disease.
🦠 Your immune defenses slow down
Less blood flow to the nose and airways + dry indoor air = easier entry for viruses.
😔 Mood and energy take a hit
Cold and less sunlight affect serotonin and dopamine, contributing to low mood, brain fog, and winter blues.
❗️For people with arthritis, autoimmune disease, diabetes, chronic pain, or cardiovascular issues—cold weather isn’t just uncomfortable. It’s a real physical stressor.
✨ Cold weather tip:
Layer up, keep extremities warm, stay hydrated, move gently, and don’t ignore symptoms that consistently worsen in winter.
Winter isn’t just a season—it’s a stress test.
And your body deserves support through it.
💬 Did you notice your symptoms change when it got cold?
