The days are getting shorter, the trees have lost a fair amount of their leaves, and the temperatures are only dropping. All of the changes imply the oncoming season of winter. December, January, February, and whichever other months decide to be below freezing are typically spent indoors, cuddled up with some hot cocoa and a blanket. Though I would never argue against getting cozy in the winter, we should not shy away from the outdoors when it gets cold. The benefits of getting outside in the winter are vast, including physical and mental perks. Here are just a few:

During the winter, it is easy to feel depressed when all the trees are bare, and half of the time, it's dark out. One of the easiest ways to combat this is by going outside. Natural daylight is known to boost serotonin levels, and the natural light outdoors–no matter how cloudy–is higher than that inside.

Being outside also helps you be mindful. Time spent away from the internet, as well as your phone, helps you be in the present and reflect. So taking a walk, or even just popping a squat on a bench outside, lets you be in the moment and feel some level of peace.

Physically, getting outside in the winter can boost your immune system. The natural light outdoors also helps improve vitamin D intake, which many people struggle with in the darker winter months. Vitamin D is crucial to immune function, where it can help one fight a common cold or even combat cancer. 

Being outside in the winter helps your pain as well. A lot of pain within the body is due to inflammation. The outside cold air acts as an ice pack and eases swelling or soreness. 

So, if you are feeling the winter blues, bundle up and come for a stroll on our lovely Nature Trail. We promise it is pretty in winter, too!

Sources:
https://www.outdoorapothecary.com/nature-in-the-winter/ 

https://www.schlitzaudubon.org/2021/01/25/benefits-of-getting-outdoors-i....