Warm Hands Make for a Happier You

Winter is nearly upon us and the weather in most parts of the country is getting colder. Cold days can mean chilly fingers and toes, especially if you spend time outside. You might think cold hands aren't a big deal, but new research shows that when your hands are cold, you're outlook and mood aren't as good.

In one experiment, people were asked to hold a cup of iced or hot coffee while the interviewer made some notes. After returning the coffee to the interviewer, they were asked to review information about a person they hadn't ever met and then evaluate that person. Even though the description of the person was entirely positive, those who had held the iced coffee (i.e. who had cold hands) were more likely to say negative things than those who held the hot coffee and had warm hands.

In another experiment, people evaluated a therapeutic pad. Some of the pads were hot and some were cold. When done with the evaluation, the real experiment began. The evaluator was offered a personal reward or a reward they could give to a friend. Those who'd been handling the warm therapeutic pads were much more likely to choose something they could offer to a friend.

Based on these experiments experts believe that when your hands are warm you are more likely to see the best in other people and you're more likely to feel generous and giving. Given that those kinds of emotions are pleasant and can reduce stress, I'd say keeping your hands warm is a good idea. This winter treat yourself to a nice pair of gloves or by a box of hand-warmers so that you never have let cold hands bring you down.

Stay well,
Meghan Krohn