How Getting Outside in Winter Benefits Your Health and Mood

Now that the cold weather has arrived, it’s tempting to hibernate!  We can have a strong desire to stay indoors when it’s frigid outside.  But staying active during the colder months offers many benefits for both your mental health and body. While shorter days and colder temperatures can make us feel blue, regular outdoor activity helps combat these feelings by boosting our serotonin levels and improving mood. Outdoor activities also can strengthen our immune system, helping us fight off illnesses by reducing stress, and improving our circulation. Staying physically active in winter, whether through walking, jogging, general exercises, or yoga, helps us maintain our fitness levels, contributes to better sleep, and keeps our energy levels up despite the frigid temperatures.

Staying active in winter also helps prevent the physical and mental effects of isolation. As the cold weather keeps many of us indoors, social interactions can decrease, leading to feelings of loneliness. Participating in outdoor activities, such as hiking, ice skating, skiing, or joining in winter group sports such as hockey, provides us with opportunities to stay connected with others, which is essential for emotional well-being. These activities not only boost our morale but also build mental resilience and promote a positive mindset. Embracing the challenge of winter weather can help shift perceptions from a time of hibernation to one of growth and self-improvement.

To make staying active in winter easier, start small by setting manageable goals, such as a 10 to15-minute walk outside. No matter how cold it might seem, an outdoor walk can be invigorating. Make sure you are dressed in warm, waterproof clothing and non-slip shoes, to make outdoor activities safer and more enjoyable. It doesn’t matter which activity you prefer, winter sports, gym sessions, or just taking walking around your neighborhood, finding an activity that you enjoy will help you stay motivated. By making the effort to stay active during the colder months, you’ll not only maintain physical health but also improve your mental well-being, ensuring that you can fully enjoy everything the season has to offer.

Remember, don’t snooze, but grab hold of the frosty blues and glow as brightly as the winter snowflakes!

Written by Dr. Sandra Mendlowitz Ph.D., C. Psych.