Women who always feel cold, even when others are peeling off layers, can seem like a bit of an enigma, right?
I have a friend who wears thick socks and a chunky cardigan no matter the season—yet claims she still feels chilly.
It got me thinking about what’s really going on beneath that perpetual shiver. Is it purely physical, or could there be some psychological habits at play?
I’ve gone down several rabbit holes (complete with cups of steaming tea in hand) to find out.
In this post, I want to share insights I’ve gathered about why some women may feel cold so often and the seven daily habits that may be contributing factors.
Let’s dive in.
1. They may be skimping on good nutrition
Did you eat a proper breakfast today? I ask because skipping meals or following extreme diets can impact metabolism and body temperature regulation.
When you consistently skimp on calories or essential nutrients, your body doesn’t get enough fuel to generate adequate warmth.
I’ve seen this pattern among busy friends who juggle demanding work schedules, family obligations, and everything else.
They get so wrapped up in their to-do lists, they forget to eat a balanced meal. Over time, this can lower your internal “thermostat,” leaving you reaching for another sweater.
What’s fascinating is that psychology often underpins why we skip meals—maybe we’re stressed or anxious and lose our appetite.
Or perhaps we’re subconsciously punishing ourselves by not allowing time to eat.
As John C. Maxwell once said, “You’ll never change your life until you change something you do daily.” If warmth and overall well-being matter to you, one of the best changes is to ensure consistent, nourishing meals.
2. They don’t move around enough
Feeling cold can also go hand in hand with a sedentary lifestyle, which affects blood circulation.
Think of it this way: when you’re busy running around or even just doing simple stretches, your muscles generate heat.
If you’re always on the couch or behind a desk, it’s easy for your hands and feet to turn into icicles.
Psychologically, some of us rely on the comfort of being still—especially when stress piles on.
Movement might feel like just another task on the endless list of daily demands.
But ironically, making time for a brisk walk or a quick yoga session can warm you up, physically and mentally.
Here at DM News, we’re big fans of micro-workouts—quick bursts of activity that slot into your day without too much fuss.
Even standing up and doing a set of squats every hour can help boost circulation. Over time, it becomes a habit that not only warms you but lifts your mood, too.
3. They over-caffeinate and under-hydrate
If you’re anything like me, you love a good cup of tea or coffee—especially first thing in the morning.
There’s nothing wrong with savoring that comforting warmth.
The problem arises when you keep guzzling cup after cup while forgetting the fundamentals like plain water and balanced meals.
Caffeine acts as a diuretic and can lead to dehydration, which in turn makes you feel colder.
Chronic dehydration also affects blood volume and circulation, creating that all-too-familiar “why am I still so cold?” sensation.
Psychologically, relying on caffeinated drinks often points to stress or fatigue. We’re trying to power through a busy day, so we keep reaching for the coffee pot. Before long, we’ve neglected water—and our bodies respond by feeling chilled.
The simple fix?
Alternate caffeinated beverages with a glass of water.
Keep a refillable water bottle by your side. It sounds obvious, but in my experience, the most obvious health tips are often the ones we slip up on.
4. They shoulder a lot of stress and anxiety
Ever noticed how stress can make your shoulders tense and your fingers go cold?
This isn’t just in your head—when stress hormones surge, your body naturally diverts blood flow away from your extremities.
Over time, chronic stress or anxiety can lead to feeling colder in general.
I used to be one of those people who always said, “I’m fine!” even when my mind was racing.
But my body told a different story.
My hands would turn icy and my posture would stiffen up.
This habit of bottling up stress can compound the issue. We try to power through our anxieties, sometimes ignoring physical symptoms like persistent chills.
A quick tip?
Practice mindful check-ins with yourself.
Take a moment in your day—maybe mid-afternoon—to notice your breathing.
Are your shoulders inching up to your ears?
If yes, roll them out and take a few slow, deep breaths.
Small steps like these can help bring warmth back to your fingertips.
5. They don’t prioritize quality sleep
Let’s be real: it’s tough to function when you haven’t slept well, let alone stay warm and cozy.
A consistent lack of restful sleep messes with your immune system and your metabolism.
This might mean your body finds it harder to regulate temperature, leaving you feeling perpetually chilly.
Many of us sacrifice sleep when life gets hectic—we stay up late to finish a work project or to binge-watch our favorite show, telling ourselves it’s “just one more episode.”
But the next day, it’s not just about feeling groggy.
Lack of sleep can heighten stress, impair decision-making, and yes, even make it tough to warm up.
You might have read my post on boosting productivity through mindful evening routines—if so, you’ll know I’m big on listening to your body.
A good night’s sleep is like hitting the reset button. Your brain and body recharge, and you’re far less likely to feel that unpleasant chill the next day.
6. They bundle up but neglect the root causes
I’ve met plenty of women who carry extra layers everywhere—scarves, hoodies, fingerless gloves you’d expect to see in winter…even in the middle of summer.
There’s nothing wrong with wearing layers to stay comfortable, but sometimes we treat the symptom (feeling cold) and overlook the underlying cause (anxiety, dehydration, poor diet, or a health issue).
From a psychological standpoint, constantly adding layers can be akin to putting a bandage over a deeper issue.
It’s comforting in the moment—something you can do quickly to feel safe and cozy—but it doesn’t address the possible stressors or habits that might be fueling your coldness.
As Sheryl Sandberg once asked, “What would you do if you weren’t afraid?”
Well, what if we weren’t afraid to look at our lifestyle and see if there’s more going on than the thermostat reading?
Maybe it’s time to question whether we’re using sweaters as emotional shields. After all, true warmth comes from a balanced mind and body.
7. They ignore signals from their body and mind
Last but definitely not least, a major habit is ignoring bodily cues altogether.
Often, we’re so busy checking off tasks or worrying about others that we push aside our own physical comfort.
By the time we register “I’m freezing,” it’s already at an extreme.
In my own life, there’ve been days when I’m so laser-focused on writing or tending to my son that I don’t realize I’m shivering.
It sounds trivial, but ignoring that signal can become a pattern. And if we keep tuning out small signals—feeling a draft, thirst, fatigue, stress—it piles up, reinforcing that constant chill.
This is backed by experts like Helen Tupper and Sarah Ellis, who note in their work on career development that self-awareness is key to thriving in any area of life.
When we practice regular mental check-ins—“Do I need a break? A drink of water? Some fresh air?”—we also become more attuned to our physical well-being.
Wrapping up
Feeling cold is often assumed to be purely physical, but as we’ve explored, psychological factors play a surprisingly big role.
Whether it’s chronic stress, lack of movement, skipping meals, or simply piling on layers while ignoring the root cause, our daily habits can either warm us up or keep us stuck in a permanent state of chill.
The good news is that none of these habits are set in stone.
Even if you’ve identified with two or three (or all) of the points above, small tweaks—staying hydrated, adding gentle exercise, addressing anxiety head-on—can make a real difference.
It’s about listening to your body’s cues and nurturing yourself from the inside out.
At the end of the day, warmth isn’t just about external temperature—it’s also about emotional and psychological well-being.
By taking a moment to consider what your mind might be telling your body, you could find yourself feeling more comfortable, confident, and yes, a little toastier throughout the day.
And if you’re reading this in a pair of thick wool socks…remember, you’re not alone, and you’re definitely not stuck this way.
A few new habits and a bit of self-awareness can help you trade those goosebumps for genuine, lasting warmth.
Stay cozy!
