In the winter months, it can be difficult to find the motivation to brave the cold and discover the outdoors, but I am here to tell you that getting outside in the winter is worthwhile! Just going outside can give you a sense of freedom and help you to destress.
Why go outside?
There are many benefits to going outside that relate to mental health. Going outside can also be a welcome change of scenery and a literal breath of fresh air. You can choose to use the outdoors as an escape for some much needed quiet or alone time. On the other hand, you can go outside as an activity with others and use it as a bonding experience. There are opportunities for exercise in the outdoors, such as hiking, running, going for a walk, or participating in various snow sports in the winter. Finally, taking a break from our stress-inducing world to slow down and appreciate the beauty of nature can be a refreshing change of pace for anyone that spends most of their time indoors.
What can I do outside in the winter?
You may be thinking, “This all sounds great, but how am I supposed to enjoy the outdoors when it’s so cold?” and to that I would say, there are plenty of things you can still do outside in the winter. The most basic is to go for a walk. This is not only great exercise it also gets you out of the house and somewhere new. As an added bonus, during the holiday season, a nighttime walk can be extra exciting to observe holiday lights! This has become one of my family’s favorite activities this winter. If you live somewhere with snow, why not get in touch with your inner child and play in it? Maybe build a snowman, make a snow angel, or go sledding. I promise you it’s still fun and your 8-year-old self will thank you. My favorite winter activity is skiing. I like to go with my family for a full day. If you don’t like the snow, my guess is that you’ve never gotten into winter sports. Finally, my last recommendation is to stay warm by a campfire. Get together with friends or family and gather by the fire for some quality time outside.
We all deserve a break from our sometimes overstimulating world, so take some of my recommendations to get off the internet and enjoy the outdoors!