Winter is here, and many of us feel a lack of warmth—not just physical, but emotional. In my practice as a somatic therapist, I often hear how loneliness and rejection feel like cold—piercing, freezing, creating distance. Love, care, and connection, on the other hand, are described as warmth—soft, filling, and bringing us back to life.
This is not just a metaphor. Studies show that sensations of warmth and cold are directly linked to our emotions. For example, in one experiment, participants holding a warm drink perceived others as more friendly and caring compared to those holding a cold drink (Williams & Bargh, 2008).
The body remembers. Have you noticed how you crave wrapping yourself in a blanket when you feel empty inside? Or how physical warmth—hot tea, a warm bath, a gentle touch—can bring back a sense of comfort and safety?
How can you bring more warmth into your life this winter?
Through the body: wear soft, cozy clothes, take a hot shower, stretch, move, get a massage. Through people: hug, share warmth with loved ones, gather for a warm meal. Through self-care: ask yourself: What would warm me up right now? Maybe it’s music, candles, good food, or a heartfelt conversation.
The body never lies. It always shows us what we need. And if you’re feeling cold right now—maybe it’s not just about the temperature. How can you warm yourself today?
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