Winter evening. Outside, there is a snowstorm. Inside the house, it's warm. The smell of pies. On the sofa, there is a blanket and a cat. You feel peace. Warmth in the house is not just a temperature. It's a feeling of safety, comfort, happiness. Why is warmth so important for our brain? And how is it related to evolution? Evolutionary Mechanism Our ancestors survived in cold climates thanks to fire and shelter. Those who found a warm refuge had a greater chance of surviving and leaving offspring. Therefore, the brain has established a connection: warmth = safety. In a cold room, a person feels anxiety (the ancient fear of freezing). By putting on a sweater, you're not just warming up, you're deceiving your brain: “danger has passed.” Studies: people are happier at room temperatures of +22...+24°C than at +18°C. Warmth as a symbol of love In childhood, our mothers warmed us with their bodies. Hugs gave warmth. Therefore, an adult person looks for “warmth” in a partner (not just literally). When we say “warm person,” we mean caring, gentle. The connection: warmth in the house symbolizes warmth in relationships. Family traditions (shared meals, tea by the fireplace) reinforce this connection. A cold house (drafts, mold) is associated with cold relationships (indifference, arguments). Biophilia and comfort Biophilia is an innate love of humans for nature. Warmth in the house is associated with the sun, summer. Therefore, people love sunlit rooms, fireplaces, candles. Fire (the fireplace) has a particularly strong effect: flickering flames reduce blood pressure, pulse. People can watch the fire for hours — it's meditation. A cozy house with warmth is a substitute for a natural niche, where a person feels safe. How temperature affects mood Too hot (over +27°C) — irritability, aggression, lack of energy. Too cold (below +18°C) — apathy, a desire to crawl under the blanket, depression. Optimal +20...+23°C. People living in warm houses get sick less often, argue less often, ... Read more