Read the text about winter. Below the text are the words to be explained in class next time.
Winter
and Its Effects on People
Winter is
the coldest season of the year and occurs between autumn and spring. It is
characterized by low temperatures, reduced daylight hours, and, in many
regions, snow and icy conditions. From an academic perspective, winter has a
significant impact on human health, psychological well-being, and social
behavior, making it an important subject of study in environmental and social
sciences.
One of the
most significant effects of winter is on physical health. Exposure to cold
temperatures places additional stress on the human body, which must work harder
to maintain a stable internal temperature. This can weaken the immune response
and partly explain the seasonal increase in respiratory illnesses such as
influenza. Furthermore, hazardous weather conditions, including ice and snow,
raise the risk of injuries caused by falls or traffic accidents. Limited
sunlight during winter months can also contribute to vitamin D deficiency,
which has been linked to weakened bones and reduced immune function.
Winter also
affects mental health and cognitive performance. Shorter days and lower levels
of natural light can disrupt circadian rhythms, influencing sleep patterns and
energy levels. In some individuals, this leads to Seasonal Affective Disorder
(SAD), a form of depression associated with seasonal changes. Symptoms may
include persistent low mood, lack of motivation, and difficulty concentrating.
Reduced opportunities for outdoor activity during winter can further intensify
these psychological effects.
In addition
to health-related impacts, winter influences social life and economic activity.
People tend to spend more time indoors, which can reduce social interaction and
physical movement. At the same time, winter increases energy consumption due to
heating needs and may disrupt transportation and work schedules. Nevertheless,
winter also has positive social and cultural dimensions, as it is associated
with holidays, seasonal traditions, and recreational activities such as skiing
and ice skating.
Interesting Facts about Winter
- The Earth is actually closest
to the Sun during winter in the Northern Hemisphere; the season is caused
by the planet’s tilt, not distance from the Sun.
- Cold temperatures can improve
sleep quality for some people, as the body naturally sleeps better in
cooler environments.
- Snow acts as a natural
insulator, helping to protect soil and plant roots from extreme cold.
- Human metabolism can slightly
increase in winter as the body uses more energy to stay warm.
- People tend to consume more
calories in winter, partly because cold weather increases appetite and
partly because comfort foods become more appealing.
- Humans are not the only ones
affected by winter fatigue—studies show that many animals also sleep
longer during colder months.
- Cold temperatures can cause
smartphones to lose battery power faster, meaning winter affects modern
technology as well as human biology.
- In very cold weather, eyelashes
and eyebrows can freeze, temporarily sticking together—an inconvenience
experienced mainly in extreme climates.
- People often underestimate how
slippery ice is; as a result, emergency rooms regularly report a
noticeable increase in “winter fall” injuries after the first snowfall.
In conclusion, winter is a complex season with wide-ranging effects on individuals and societies. While it presents physical, psychological, and logistical challenges, understanding these effects allows people and institutions to adapt more effectively and take advantage of the season’s benefits.
