It is the winter season around and intense cold waves is experinced across the country. People feel cold during winter because the surrounding air temperature is significantly lower than our body temperature, causing heat to transfer from our bodies to the colder environment, making us feel cold. However, we might have observed that different people treat the cold differently. While some enjoy the weather, other complain and favor to stay in warm. At my home, I have my own live example. My Dad seems to enjoy the winter season as he takes bath everyday from running tap water. He never complain. On the other hand my uncle is not a regular bather. He bath in 2-3 days break. He feels much more colder than my Dad. This made me to wonder,
Why in the same season, under the same temperature, do some people shiver from the cold while others enjoy it with a smile?
This is not the only case that exist at my home, but I can guess similar situation can be seen everywhere at others home too. Infact there are sages and saints and yogis in India, who remain naked even in chilled weather in the Himalayan ranges. While people who visits these places carry warmer clothes.
To understand the different body resistant capacity to bear the tempersture, It is important to understand the concept of coldness. We feel cold in winter, as heat flows from a warmer object (our body) to a colder object (the winter air). Our bodies try to maintain a constant core temperature, but when exposed to cold air, the body starts to lose heat faster than it can produce it. To learn the answer of my queries, I have reached out to my science teacher who does gave a good explanation. He said :
Even in the same temperature, people can experience cold differently due to factors like body composition, muscle mass, genetics, and personal perception, meaning some might shiver while others feel comfortable and even enjoy the cold. Individuals with more body fat or muscle mass naturally generate more heat, making them feel warmer in the same conditions compared to those with less muscle or fat.
People with higher body fat percentages tend to feel cold less because fat acts as insulation. Poor blood circulation can make it harder for the body to distribute heat effectively, leading to a feeling of cold. My Dad alwsys says that feeling cold is all about mentality. Some people may simply enjoy the feeling of cold weather, finding it refreshing or calming. Women generally have a lower muscle mass and higher body fat percentage compared to men, which can lead to feeling colder. Ageing is also an additional factor.
All these factor may contribute in making some people naturally feel warmer or colder than others even at the same ambient temperature.
