This little thing in winter makes us happier

As soon as the snow falls, a collective sense of wonder takes hold of us. Whether you are comfortably seated at home or outside, the snowflakes seem to have the power to stop time.

But why this enthusiasm for such a simple phenomenon? The answer lies as much in science as in our psychology.

The silence that soothes

Snow doesn’t just delight our eyes: it acts on our senses in a subtle way. Researchers from theUniversity of Kentucky found that snow absorbs up to 60% of surrounding sounds. This white coat creates a bubble of silence, enveloping the world in a unique serenity.

In this calm, each crack of a branch or sound of footsteps takes on an almost meditative dimension, strengthening our connection to nature and giving us a feeling of deep well-being.

An invitation to go out

Snowy landscapes push us to come out of our cocoons to fully enjoy them. By increasing our time spent outside, snow offers us many benefits: increased vitality, better mood, and even positive effects on our mental health, confirmed by numerous studies.

It’s an invigorating, almost necessary break from our often stressful daily lives.

A comforting nostalgia

Beyond the physical impact, snow awakens precious memories in us. It takes us back to the winters of our childhood, to snowball fights, or to dreams of a white Christmas. These memories strengthen our morale by reconnecting us to past moments of happiness.

The scarcity of snow in some areas adds a touch of exceptionality, making each fall all the more precious.

Slow down to better appreciate

Finally, the snow has the power to stop our frantic race. Whether to admire a landscape or enjoy a suspended moment, it pushes us to savor the present moment.

As psychologist Catherine Hallissey points out in an article in Stylistthis imposed break offers us a chance to contemplate the beauty of nature, a simple but profound pleasure that we tend to forget.