In one of our recent blogs we took a look at some surprising facts about keeping warm in winter, debunking some common myths. In the second part of our continuing series, we take a look at some further fascinating facts about keeping warm that might just surprise you, so you can make sure you stay nice and warm this winter.
Loneliness Can Make You Feel Colder
Loneliness is often associated with coldness, and we all know that being ignored isn’t fun. A growing body of psychological research has suggested that being given the cold shoulder can in fact make us feel physically cold too. For example, according to the BBC researchers from the University of Toronto have found that people who felt left out said a room felt colder than those who felt included. In a further experiment participants engaged in a computer simulated ball toss game, designed such that some participants would be left out. Interestingly those who were excluded from the game expressed a stronger desire afterwards for warm food and drink. On the basis of these findings the researchers concluded that the experience of social exclusion can literally lead us to feel physically cold. This may also explain our tendency to use temperature-related metaphors to describe social exclusion. So next time you’re feeling a little cold, why not try something as simple as talking to someone.
Most Heat is Lost Through our Heads
We all know that a cosy hat is essential for keeping warm once the colder weather stars to bite, and for many years there has been a pervading myth that most of your body heat escapes through your head. However this simply isn’t the case, and scientists have now debunked this longstanding myth. According to The Guardian, this claim appears to date back to advice detailed in a US Army survival manual from the 1970s, which recommended covering the head given that between 40 and 45 percent of body heat can be lost from this area. This advice itself is thought to have been based on a misinterpretation of scientific experiments conducted by the US military in the 1950s, which saw participants exposed to bitterly cold conditions whilst dressed in arctic survival suits. Their heads were the only parts of their bodies left uncovered, and so it is perhaps rather unsurprisingly that most of their heat was lost from this area. In reality, only around 7-10 percent of our body heat is lost from our heads, and covering one part of our bodies can in fact have as much effect as covering any other.
Here at Heritage Heating we are experts when it comes to industrial heating solutions and can help ensure you and your premises stay warm this winter. For more information please do not hesitate to contact us and a member of our knowledgeable team will be happy to help you with your enquiries.
