Hello, friends! You’ve seen and heard me talk previously about the benefits of getting outside; but what about when the weather is colder and conditions are inclement? I agree, this definitely makes it more challenging and frankly, less desirable. The goal of this blog post is to give us all some new ideas of how to get ourselves out there anyway, and what to do when we absolutely can’t get outdoors.
The Winter Challenge: Staying Active and Engaged Outdoors
Time outdoors supports mental health, boosts mood, and improves physical health, even when the weather isn’t perfect. Some of us look forward to winter sports like skiing or snowboarding. I have always enjoyed cross country skiing and hope to do some this year.
Tip 1: Dress for Comfort
Layering and wearing weather appropriate gear makes all the difference. Wearing a wind proof jacket will keep you from feeling the wind is going right through you. Proper footwear for the conditions it important too. Rain pants, warm pants, etc. will keep you more comfortable. Don’t forget the hat and gloves, possibly even hand warmers inside your gloves if you need a little extra warmth.
Note, investing in good outdoor gear will payoff for years to come.
Tip 2: Adjust Your Activity Levels, Not Your Routine
Keeping it simple is always my go-to. Instead of bike riding or hiking, consider a simple walk in your neighborhood. The goal is getting outdoors, and it matters less what you do outdoors and more about simply getting out. Truly, the hardest part is getting out the door. Once you’re outside, the fresh air feels so good, and mood increases as you naturally take on a playful mindset. Give it a try!
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is Real
The days are cold and MUCH shorter. Does this impact you psychologically? It sure does me!
Reduced sunlight can disrupt the body’s internal clock, leading to a drop in serotonin (a mood-regulating neurotransmitter) and melatonin levels (which affect sleep and mood), resulting in SAD.
Common SAD symptoms include fatigue, hopelessness, sadness, irritability, low energy, oversleeping, carbohydrate cravings, and social withdrawal.
Getting plenty of light is one way to avoid SAD. Outdoors when possible but also indoors by opening the blinds, sitting by a window on a sunny day, etc. Maintaining social connections, healthy eating and maintaining the same sleep-wake cycle as you did when there was more daylight. Another idea is to use Light Therapy at home.
Conclusion: Keep Your Body, Mind and Spirit Engaged This Winter
Winter can be a time to challenge yourself in different ways. I naturally spend more time at home during the winter so naturally enjoy taking advantage of this “home time” to work on projects I don’t otherwise find time to do in the busier seasons. This could be tackling a home improvement project or a clean-out of certain rooms or closets. Other things I’ve done is used this time to work on courses I’ve been taking. In fact, winter is when I’ve done the bulk of my studying for my health coaching credentials over the past several years. It’s been so fun and it won’t be ending since I now have continuing education to keep up with in order to renew my credentials. Haha!
Let’s find what we enjoy and do that! While getting outside as often as we can. When I wake up to a sunny day, if at all possible, I like to change my schedule to allow myself to get outside for a walk during the warmest and sunniest portion of the day.
What kinds of things do you like to do in the winter?
In love and health,
Terri
