Why you should be turning your thermostat DOWN this winter: Experts reveal surprise benefits of cold weather - from increasing your metabolism to boosting feel good hormones and rejuvenating skin

Embracing the cold can lead to improvements in health, mood and appearanceCold water plunges said to boost mental health while improving circulationExercising outdoors can boost metabolism and strengthen heart, experts say

As a cold snap continues to grip the nation, research suggests embracing the cold can lead to a whole host of surprise health benefits including increasing your metabolism and boosting your mood.

With snow falling across Britain today as temperatures plunge to -7C (19F), experts insist that taking a cold dip or a run while the air is crisp – even if it’s brief – will do wonders for your health.

Decades of research has linked cold exposure, whether in the form of a bath, shower or exercise outdoors during the depths of winter, to a myriad of benefits.

From boosting one’s metabolism, to rejuvenating skin, to improving circulation and the strengthening of the heart, embracing the bitter cold has been shown to naturally aid in providing the body with optimum health.

Researchers at Birmingham’s Aston University claim exercising outdoors in the winter can bring plenty of benefits to not just your body, but your mind too.

Experts insist that taking a cold dip or a run while the air is crisp – even if it’s brief – will do wonders for your health this winter (Photo: Shutterstock)

Snow fell across Britain today as temperatures plunged to -7C (19F) with more ice warnings issued and an amber cold health alert imposed for the rest of this week (Photo: PA)

As one woman is caught in a snow flurry on street in Orpington, South East London, this morning, experts insist that taking a cold dip or a run while the air is crisp – even if it’s brief – will do wonders for your health (Photo: Grant Falvey/LNP)

Exercising in the cold will not only help you fight off any symptoms of a cold or flu, but reduce the likelihood of you even being affected.

Your immune system is forced to work harder against the cooler temperatures and is more prepared to fight off foreign invaders and their nasty symptoms.

Exercising in the cold can also strengthen your heart, as the vital organ needs to work harder to pump blood around the body, helping to keep your heart health in tip-top shape.

Winter blues, or seasonal affective disorder (SAD), occurs due to shorter days and your body/mind not getting enough light and endorphins.

Experts at Aston University claim that exercise has a particularly profound effect on mental health during winter, sending all-important feel-good hormones soaring and keeping the winter blues at bay.

In fact, research has shown that a good workout can be up to four times more effective than taking antidepressants for improving symptoms of depression.

As well as being an effective mood booster, getting outdoors in the fresh air during cooler temperatures can help replenish vitamin D levels, leaving your skin rejuvenated.

This applies to taking cold showers as opposed to boiling hot ones in the winter, as hot water can strip away the natural oils of your skin and dry it out, while cold water helps to constrict blood vessels to temporarily tighten pores and reduce redness.

Exercising in the cold will not only help you fight off any symptoms of a cold or flu , but reduce the likelihood of you even being affected

A person walking through a snow flurry in Lenham, Kent, this afternoon

Getting outdoors in the fresh air during cooler temperatures and having cold showers can help replenish vitamin D levels and tighten pores, leaving your skin rejuvenated (Photo: Shutterstock)

Sleeping in a cold room helps your body release adequate amounts of melatonin and prevents cortisol from rising and waking you up, aiding in a much deeper sleep in the winter (Photo: Shutterstock)

Sleeping in a cold room helps your body release adequate amounts of melatonin and prevents cortisol (stress hormone) from rising and waking you up, aiding in a much deeper sleep in the winter.

The cooler temperatures in your bedroom will ensure you fall asleep faster, as you create an environment for your body to release excess heat and support its natural circadian rhythm.

Exercising in cold weather maxes out your caloric burn and can aid in managing your weight, as your body works much harder to keep its core temperature regulated.

As the body works to stay warm, the metabolism is kicked into overdrive and your body burns through more calories and fat.

Embracing the freezing winter temperatures while out and about to boost your health is one thing, but what about submerging your entire body in ice-cold water?

According to Dr Samantha Wild, Clinical Lead for Women’s Health at Bupa GP, cold water therapy has been reported to benefit the body in many ways, although evidence is fairly scarce and based on small studies or people’s experiences.

Some of the benefits reportedly deriving from cold water therapy include the reducing of muscle pain and stiffness after exercise, by reducing swelling and inflammation.

Cars parked during a snow flurry in Lenham, Kent, this afternoon

Exercising in cold weather maxes out your caloric burn and can aid in managing your weight, as your body works much harder to keep its core temperature regulated

The practice also allegedly improves blood pressure and cholesterol levels, boost the immune system and improves general and mental wellbeing, including possibly helping with depression.

Meanwhile, experts at the University of Portsmouth have warned inexperienced individuals to exercise caution when immersing in freezing, open British waters, as it’s not yet known if there is a certain duration or temperature that works best. 

They advise that ‘less is definitely more,’ and that showers and baths are a less hazardous option because you have greater control in terms of temperature and exposure time compared with open water.