January 17, 2024

Winter Bliss: Your Guide to Outdoor Fun and Beating the Winter Blues

Welcome to winter! As the temperature drops and we continue to settle into the winter months, I personally as well as with my clients am noticing an uptick in people having an increase in depression symptoms. It’s not uncommon for our mental health to take a hit during the colder months, however, the winter months don’t have to be a time of hibernation and low spirits. Instead, they can be a wonderful opportunity to embrace the beauty of the season and boost your mental health through outdoor activities. If you’re anything like me you just audibly groaned. Honestly for me, I don’t like winter. I don’t like going outside in the cold and I very much dislike how expensive quality winter gear and winter activities seem to be. So I often find myself indoors a lot in the winter months, which I really don’t like either.

1. Understanding Winter Blues:

The winter blues, also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), is a type of depression that tends to recur at the same time each year, usually in the fall and winter. While the exact cause of SAD isn’t fully understood, several factors contribute to its onset: Reduced Sunlight: Shorter days and less sunlight can disrupt our circadian rhythms, leading to feelings of lethargy and sadness. Decreased Physical Activity: Cold weather often discourages outdoor activities and exercise, which can lead to decreased physical fitness and increased feelings of isolation. Dietary Changes: Winter can lead to changes in eating habits, with many people turning to comfort foods that may not be as nutritious, further impacting mood. Holiday Stress: For some, the holiday season can bring additional stress and pressure, exacerbating existing mental health challenges.

2. Why Outdoor Activities Matter in Winter:

Natural Mood Booster: Outdoor activities in the winter expose you to natural light, which can help regulate your sleep patterns and improve mood. Sunlight triggers the release of serotonin, a neurotransmitter associated with feelings of happiness and well-being.

Physical Health Benefits: Staying active during the colder months helps maintain physical health, ward off winter weight gain, and increase energy levels.

Social Connection: Participating in outdoor activities with friends or family allows for social interaction, reducing feelings of isolation that can accompany the winter blues.

Stress Reduction: The calming effect of nature combined with the release of endorphins during physical activity can help reduce stress and anxiety.

3. My Practical Tips for Enjoying Outdoor Activities in Winter:

Dress Appropriately: Invest in the good gear. I know, I hate the expense to, but for me investing in quality gear this year is going to allow me and my family to enjoy the weather without freezing to death. Layer your clothing to trap warmth, starting with moisture-wicking base layers like wool and adding insulating and waterproof layers on top. I LOVE Simply Merino for base layers and invested in sets for both my girls this year. I also love this jumpsuit for my baby. Reima has a lot of high quality snowsuits as well, that again are a significant investment but I also hope that investing in this quality gear is going to allow me to be outside for longer and enjoy the winter. Wool socks and balaclava’s are also a must.

Choose Reasonable Activities: If you are in Utah I love Utah’s Adventure Family their website as well as their Instagram is full of all kinds of amazing actives and she often has discount codes or entire posts dedicated to free activities.

Stay Safe: Always have more snacks and water than you think you need (especially if you have young kids like me!)

Be cautious of slippery surfaces, and use traction devices like crampons or ice cleats when necessary.

Check weather conditions before heading out and be prepared for sudden changes.

Embrace Winter Photography: Capture the beauty of winter landscapes and create lasting memories by taking photographs during your outdoor adventures.

Plan Winter Picnics: Pack a thermos of hot cocoa or soup to enjoy a warm treat amidst the cold. Choose a scenic spot for a cozy picnic.

Create a Winter Bucket List: Make a list of outdoor activities and experiences you’d like to have during the winter season. Challenge yourself to check them off one by one.

Instead of dreading the winter months, this year I am determined to embrace them as an opportunity to engage in outdoor activities that can boost my mood, improve my physical health, and create lasting memories with my family. I hope you will join me!

 

As always, If your symptoms persist or worsen, don’t hesitate to reach out to a therapist or mental health professional. I have a few openings in my schedule right now, so please don’t hesitate to contact me if you are feeling like you need extra support!

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