It's Saturday morning. As you roll over in bed, you slowly open your eyes. You are feeling grateful that the dreaded alarm didn't shock your system into a quick wake up like it does oh so often the majority of the week. After the routine scrolls through your social medias, you inch your way to the kitchen, blanket wrapped around you like a cloak. You reach into the cabinets, searching for your mystery breakfast. Looks like a cold Poptart is the winner!
After scarfing down the sugary square and another round of scrolling, you find yourself on the couch, wondering what the rest of the day looks like. Your gaze wanders to the window outside.
BRR.
Brown grass and overcast skies are looking back at you. You feel a cold chill race down your spine just imagining being outside. You make yourself comfortable and pull up Netflix on the TV. 8 hours later, the same window you gazed through is piercing black. A twinge of anxiety and restlessness buoys to the top of your mind.
Sound familiar? This could be any winter day. It's a simple equation: warm house + cold outside = desire to stay inside
But nature is beautiful and worth exploring all times of the year. And it has benefits, too. Here are some reasons to get out and about in the cold months:
See the same places in a totally new way
Winter provides a fresh perspective on familiar spaces. Walking through a forest in the summer provides a dense covering. In the winter, hikers can see across the forest, peer through valleys, or stand atop ridgelines and see views that aren't offered in the summer. You can investigate animal tracks while crunching through snow-covered trails. New colors emerge, such as the vibrant shades of green on mossy rocks, the blue skies, or the varying shades of brown on the trees you walk between.
Clear your head
Feeling stressed? Anxious? A little down? Hiking in the cold can help alleviate all of these. Let your mind wander as your feet move along the trail. Or allow yourself to be fully in the moment and cognizant of your senses. Feel the crisp air fill your lungs as the mud squishes between the tread of your boots. Hear the rhythmic sounds of your breath as you climb a hill. Feel the gnarled bark on the passing trees. Just 15 minutes in the woods can hit the reset button on a racing mind.
Feel accomplished
Winter can be even more difficult if you are a checklist person. Shorter days and cold temperatures can keep you inside while also shortening your to-do lists or options of things to do. It can be easy to get to the end of a day and feel like you haven't really done anything. This can lead to grogginess/restlessness (which can turn into anxiety). Bundling up and embracing the cold requires some initiative. This can give you a boost of confidence. Once you're up and moving, it may motivate you to work outside, run those errands you've been meaning to do, or give you a boost of creativity. And you may feel a little more tired at night. If it's been a blah day, at least you can say that you took a walk and went outside!
Your body thanks you
In addition to the mental/emotional benefits, getting out in the cold can help your body, too! There are plenty of reasons to get outside - from burning extra calories, boosting your immune system, rejuvenating your skin, alleviating your allergies, etc. Business Insider has a great and detailed article on the physical benefits of cold hiking here. If you're looking to maintain New Year's Resolutions and want a change of scenery from your home or the gym, getting outside provides a new space.
Better than Summer?
Psst...I have a secret....sometimes it is better to hike in the winter than it is any other time of the year. Don't believe me? Well hear me out.
Lower temps=less sweating. It feels nice when you can hike for an hour and not have drenched clothes
Less people! It can be hard to find solitude when you are constantly having to step off to the side and let people pass by. Winter hikes provide more peace and quiet
NO BUGS!! Not a fan of the buzzing near your ears? Do mosquitos love you? No need to worry in the winter.
There is a quote that I heard years ago that has always stuck with me. "There is no such thing as bad weather. Just bad gear". So put on some warm clothes, layer up, and get outside. You'll be thankful that you did.
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