Seasonal Self-Care: Get Outdoors and Nourish Your Body Until Spring

If you live somewhere Northern, February can be rough. 

It’s cold. It’s dark. And it has been for months. 

Most of us would like nothing more than to hibernate until May. But as it turns out, curling up on your couch and refusing to step foot outdoors all winter long isn’t beneficial to your mental and physical health. There are lots of benefits to choosing to spend time outdoors, even during the sloppy, grey dregs of winter. Here’s a few reasons why:

Getting outside makes us happier. 

Being outdoors boosts your mood. Simply being in nature- even just a short walk in the park- calms our minds and our senses, and helps to ease the symptoms of seasonal depression.

Being exposed to natural light helps us sleep better. 

Getting bright, natural light during the day helps our bodies to rest better at night. Even on a dreary day, there is typically more light outside than in. Plus, bright light tends to put us in a happier mood and increase our energy. 

You’ll get more exercise. 

Time spent outdoors tends to be more active than time spent indoors. Make it a point to get in a walk every day.

You’ll be less stressed.

Our modern world tends to be stressful and loud. Getting time in nature helps our bodies to be more resilient in the face of stress.

You’ll be more focused. 

Research has shown that time outside helps to improve focus and concentration. If winter has you feeling down, your brain will appreciate you bundling up and getting outdoors. 

You’ll get some Vitamin D.

Sunlight helps our bodies to make Vitamin D, which is essential for energy levels and winter immunity support. Most of us don’t get enough during the winter. A few minutes in the sun will give your body a boost. 

Winter self-care: spending time outdoors in the colder months is good for your mental and physical health.

Getting outdoors during winter isn’t always easy. Here are a few ideas to make it more enjoyable.

Remember, it doesn’t have to be elaborate. 

Sure, spending the whole day outside is wonderful, but a simple 15 minute walk in the park is enough to reap some benefits.

Schedule time outdoors daily, preferably during daylight hours. 

Go on a walk during your lunch break and get some Vitamin D! Make a note on your calendar and stick to it. 

Invest in proper clothing. 

As a wise man once said “There is no such thing as bad weather, only inadequate clothing and methods of transportation”. Take Ron Swanson’s advice and bundle up! 

Find an outdoor winter activity you enjoy. 

Find a winter activity you can look forward to. Skiing? Snowshoeing? Igloo building? Embrace the season, and you might find yourself heading outdoors a bit more willingly. 

Work to protect green spaces in our communities. 

Maintaining parks, wooded areas, and nature preserves is vital to the health of our planet, our cities, and ourselves. Vote, help clean up, or simply take time to appreciate these spaces when they’re frosty and serene.

Slow down, unplug, and take notice. 

To get the full benefit of time outdoors, put your phone away for a few moments. Take note of your surroundings- notice the sparkle of snow in the sun, or the sound of the leaves in the wind. You’ll feel calmer and happier in no time.

While bitter winds and slippery roads make staying indoors a tempting prospect during the winter months, your mind and body will thank you for braving a few moments outdoors each day. Hang in there- it will be spring before we know it!