Yakutsk, Russia,

I have an intense aversion to cold weather. It affects how I think, feel, and function on every level. Even before doing any research, I already knew I would avoid extremely cold places at all costs. That’s why, when I learned about Yakutsk, Russia—the world’s coldest permanently inhabited city—I immediately knew it was a place I would never willingly visit. Winter temperatures there often fall below -40°C to -50°C (-40°F to -58°F), with record lows nearing -64.4°C (-84°F). Just imagining myself in that environment is terrifying. I honestly don’t believe I could handle it.

Cold weather triggers a deep, physical dread in me. My entire nervous system reacts as if it is under attack. Even the thought of being in freezing temperatures sends shivers down my body and tightens every muscle.

In my daily life, the cold forces me to layer up excessively, avoid outdoor activities, and constantly seek warmth—even indoors. A few years ago, I developed an allergy to cold weather—not my entire body, just my hands. It’s quite unusual. The cold makes my hands itch, and the pain can be excruciating. In a place like Yakutsk, that discomfort would be magnified beyond anything I could tolerate.

Some people swear by the idea of “mind over matter,” but I have no desire to test that theory. For me, cold weather is the ultimate enemy. It pulls me out of my comfort zone and disrupts both my mental and physical well-being. I’m not usually a negative person, but when it comes to the cold, I have to be honest: it’s my nemesis.

A place like Yakutsk, or any environment with extreme cold, would overwhelm my nervous system to the point of shutting down. That’s why I’m grateful I can write about it and not experience that harsh environment firsthand.