Winter: The Season that Transforms Senses and Routines

Winter arrives slowly. In many regions, it announces itself with colder mornings in the season, biting winds, and that smell of damp earth that precedes a change.

Gradually, sunny mornings turn gray.

The sun appears less, but when it does shine, it doesn’t warm as much as before.

People then begin to swap light clothing for thicker coats, scarves, hats, and gloves.

Although it may seem like a simple change in temperature, winter affects much more than that: it transforms our routine, our bodies, and even our emotions.

Right in the first cold days, we already notice differences.

The air feels drier, noses start to run more often, and skin, if not well-hydrated, soon begins to crack.

However, it’s not just the physical effects that impact us.

During winter, our energy levels usually decrease.

Not by coincidence, many feel more tired, sleepy, and even a bit melancholic.

Even though this might seem negative, it’s important to remember that winter also has its charm.

In fact, it can be an opportunity to slow down.

With the cold, people tend to spend more time at home, which promotes moments of introspection, catching up on reading, and even longer meals.

Instead of the usual rush, winter invites us to retreat.

Often, it is in this retreat that we find comfort and coziness.

Changes in Body and Mind

It’s not just an impression: our bodies actually react differently during winter.

To maintain body temperature, the body needs to expend more energy.

That’s why we feel hungrier. Many typical foods of the season — such as soups, hot chocolate, and more caloric dishes — help warm the body and, at the same time, provide a sense of comfort.

However, not everything is simple.

During cold days, vitamin D production tends to decrease, as people are less exposed to the sun.

Since this vitamin is directly related to the proper functioning of the immune system and mood regulation, its decline can significantly affect our well-being.

For this reason, it’s common for some people to experience episodes of sadness or discouragement without an apparent cause during this period.

Additionally, the dry climate contributes to an increase in respiratory problems.

Rhinitis, sinusitis, bronchitis, and even flu and colds become more frequent.

Although these illnesses are not serious most of the time, they disrupt daily life, hinder sleep, and reduce productivity.

Even with all these challenges, winter also offers opportunities to take better care of ourselves.

It’s during this time that people often go to bed earlier, cook with more care, and frequently seek extra time to relax.

This is precisely why winter can serve as a reminder: we need to respect our body’s rhythm and listen to what it asks for.

Routine, Habits, and Togetherness

During winter, routines change subtly but steadily.

Children, for example, tend to take longer to get out of bed.

Adults, on the other hand, face the dilemma of swapping the comfort of the blanket for work commitments.

In many homes, the first battle of the day is with the shower: no one wants to face the cold water.

Despite the initial discomfort, this change in rhythm can bring people closer together.

Dinners at home become more frequent, watching movies under the covers becomes an ideal weekend activity, and even a simple coffee gains extra value when shared on cold days.

In this context, the home transforms.

Blankets move to the sofa, rugs take center stage, and even the lighting changes, creating a cozier atmosphere.

These small details make a big difference. After all, when the world outside seems more hostile, we seek warmth — both physical and emotional — inside our homes.

On the other hand, winter also requires adaptations outside.

Those who work outdoors need to dress in layers, wear gloves, protect their faces, and still bravely face the cold wind.

Meanwhile, those who rely on public transport suffer from crowded buses and closed windows, which unfortunately favors the spread of respiratory viruses.

Even with these difficulties, many see beauty in winter.

Whether it’s in the breeze that sends chills down the skin or in the fog that covers the city early in the morning, the season has an air of mystery and poetry.

And this does not go unnoticed.

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Source of information: Original Authorship

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