Chilling out for better decision-making: cognitive benefits of cold imagery…
Wednesday, April 17, 2024.
Have you ever heard the phrase "keeping a cool head"? It turns out there's more to it than just a catchy saying.
Recent research suggests that imagining yourself in chilly environments… might actually help you keep your cool, quite literally.
Dr. Idit Shalev, the brains behind this study, found that "Metaphorical phrases like ‘coldly calculating,’ ‘heated response,’ and ‘cool-headed’ actually have some scientific validity." Yes, it seems those clichés have some truth to them…
So, why the sudden interest in frigid imagery?
Well, it turns out that picturing yourself in wintry landscapes can do wonders for your cognitive control.
Dr. Shalev and her team discovered that people who mentally transported themselves to colder climes exhibited better decision-making skills. It’s like giving your brain a frosty boost.
But how did they figure this out? The researchers cunningly had participants gaze away from moving objects, a task easier said than done. Beforehand, some were treated to summery snapshots while others got wintry wonders. Then came the mental magic – participants had to imagine themselves in those scenes.
"The result indicated that those viewing the cold landscape did better," Dr. Shalev revealed. "Even without a physical trigger, cognitive control can be activated through conceptual processes alone."
It seems the signals of coldness don't just make you reach for a sweater; they also awaken your inner alertness, nudging you toward better decision-making.
Now, before you rush to crank up the AC or dive into a snowbank for the sake of your GPA, remember, it's all about perception. Dr. Shalev clarifies, "While signals of warmth induce a relaxed attitude, cool signals trigger alertness and a possible need for greater cognitive control."
So, the next time you're facing a tough decision or feeling the heat of the moment, maybe picture yourself in a blizzard instead. Your brain might just thank you for the icy inspiration.
Be Well, Stay KInd, and Godspeed.
RESEARCH:
Halali, S., & Saastamoinen, M. (2022). Exploring links between climatic predictability and the evolution of within‐ and transgenerational plasticity. Ecology and Evolution, 12(12). https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.9662
