Yes, that dreadful time of the year is almost upon us when the last vestiges of autumn warmth and sunlight metamorphose into the early dark, cold days of winter.
Winter, that depressing, unending season many people in northern climes hate with a particularly staunch passion (and aren’t afraid to make any bones about it either). As a second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic makes its way around the globe, for all intents and purposes, it appears as though many of us may be in for another winter of discontent.
Instead of spending these months of cold and darkness glued to your computer screen or couch binge-watching your favorite Netflix or Amazon Prime shows while letting your mind and body to get out of shape, that winter wonderland right outside your window can be a treasure trove of fitness and wellness. Yes, you heard that correctly. There are endless benefits to outdoor winter activities not only for one’s physical health but mental wellbeing as well.
Clear your mind
These days, with so much turmoil and uncertainty happening around the globe and especially in our own backyards, it’s only natural that many folks have their minds racing nonstop through the proverbial hamster wheel worried about a million different things.
Constant worrying over time can lead to a host of health issues, including memory loss, high blood, pressure, and stroke. While it isn’t always possible to be stress-free, we can take an hour or so in our busy days to relax and divert our thoughts from that hectic hamster wheel of modern life. And there is no better way to do this than by getting out into that crisp winter weather, whether you’re walking, snowshoeing, cross–country skiing, or even playing around outside with your kids. Trust me, you’ll feel better all around.
Winter has the freshest air
While we all love those hazy, lazy days of summer – whether playing baseball, boating, or hanging out at the beach, that often-stifling heat and humidity aren’t always healthy. According to Michigan State University, breathing in that crisp winter air greatly improves your overall health by enabling your body to send oxygen through the blood.
If this isn’t enough to convince you of the benefits of winter activities, were you aware that being outdoors during this time of year when we get less exposure to direct sunlight also increases the amount of Vitamin D your body receives? Vitamin D is essential for fighting against touches of flu, colds, and especially COVID-19, as growing research shows.
Improve your mood
Winter can be a double–whammy for those who suffer from depression and anxiety-related disorders, including Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Even people who don’t suffer from depression can find themselves feeling down during this season.
If you find yourself getting low, sad moods during the winter months, I’ve got some good news for you: having fun in the cold and snow can make you feel better and really get your spirits lifted high.
Choosing the winter activity that’s right for you
Those of us living in the northern states and Canada (my home country) often treat hockey or skiing like a local religion. If you’re not comfortable on skates or the idea of racing downhill frightens you, there are so many fun options to choose from.
I’m an avid snowshoer. When the snow flies (enough of it, at least) I look forward to lacing up my winter boots, putting on my pair of snowshoes, grabbing a pair of ski poles for balance, and heading into the backcountry for an hour or two of fresh, mind-clearing exercise (a must for writers). Regardless of how you choose to get your exercise during the winter, the benefits of outside far outweighing the cons of spending these months hibernating.
References
Cassarela, Jennifer. “How Worry Affects Your Body .” Web MD, 2019 Aug. 2019.
Dixie Sandborn, Michigan State University Extension. “Nature in the Winter Is Good for Your Mental Health.” MSU Extension, 24 Sept. 2019, www.canr.msu.edu/news/nature_is_good_for_your_mental_health.
Draghicich. “Could Vitamin D Protect You from COVID-19?” Healthing.ca, Postmedia, 12 Sept. 2020, www.healthing.ca/diseases-and-conditions/coronavirus/vitamin-d-may-play-a-protective-role-in-covid-19.