When the temperature drops and winter weather sets in, it’s common to gravitate towards staying indoors as much as possible. Self-induced ‘hibernation’ is typical for many people who just want to stay warm and stick out the winter indoors. As someone who is almost always cold, I can relate to this feeling. I’d prefer to spend all winter curled up in blankets, binge-watching Netflix with my cat.
However, I also recognize that seasonal depression is something that drastically affects me. So every winter, I’m forced out of my depressive ‘comfort’ zone and must prevail the cold. That all being said, I’ve noticed a trend in my winter routine over the years: as soon as I start embracing the cold, rather than despising it, my levels of depression decrease.
A frequent misconception that outdoor activity during cold temperatures makes you sick or is unhealthy keeps many people locked inside. But science actually proves the opposite is true. For me, breaking up monotonous indoor winter routines and just being outside has proven to be widely beneficial to my mental and physical health.
Related: Winter’s Here: 7 Tips to Overcome Seasonal Affective Disorder
Start With Typical Winter Sports and Activities
Hitting the slopes is something enjoyed by many. Whether you’re an enthusiast or a first time skier/snowboarder, there’s much to enjoy about winter sports. From the bunny hill to the backside, everyone has a great time carving the mountains once the snow piles up. Snowmobiling is another exciting winter activity to try, as well as the a more mellow approach of sledding and ice skating.
Travel When Conditions Permit
While traveling around the holidays is ordinary, it doesn’t have to stop after Christmas. Plan a winter getaway when conditions and weather are permitting. Equip your vehicle with winter tires and traction chains if you plan on road tripping. And bring the dog along for the ride. Just make sure your pets are safe too!
Related: Essential Car Care Tips You Need to Know for Winter
Try Snowshoeing and Winter Hiking
What’s more captivating than finding a breathtaking view of wilderness? How about your favorite landscapes dusted with fresh snow! Hiking isn’t just for the summer time! Many of the same places you hike in warmer months are also open to the public in the winter. Check ahead of time to be certain that hiking trails and roadways are open and safe.
Soak It Up In the Best Hot Springs
If you’re up for even more of an endeavor than a winter hike, map out a trek to a natural hot spring! Your mind, body, and specifically your skin will thank you. The softness of the water in hot springs nourishes the skin in a unique way and provides the body with minerals that are atypical. A great starting point for scouting out hot springs is this list of the most famous hot springs in the world.
Winter Surfing (Yes, It’s Real)
Looking for an unconventional outdoor activity this winter? Why not try winter surfing? Although I’m a novice surfer at best, I’ve actually taken part in late fall and early winter surfing and it was simply incredible. For me, the rush of cold water was only temporary and really got endorphins pumping through my body.
Keep safety as your number one priority if you decide to embark in winter surfing. A proper winter wetsuit is absolutely crucial as well as many other safety precautions. Always have a safety plan and surf with friends!
Maintain The Space Around Your Home
Winter months are clearly not a time for gardening or lawn care. But there are certainly many things a person can do to winter-proof their home and maintain the space they live in. When excessive snow hits, many people ignore their driveways and sidewalks. It’s important to constantly keep them clear and salted, for obvious safety reasons.
A major seasonal challenge in addition to shoveling snow is keeping roofs clear of snow buildup. If snow isn’t removed from the top of homes, it can become extremely heavy. This can cause roofs to collapse and poses other hazards.
When under layers of snow melt and runs down a slanted roof, ice dams can form. This can cause damage to shingles and allows water to soak through into attics and upper levels of homes. Ice dams also become very heavy and can destroy rain gutters. For a complete guide on ice dams, and how to remove them, check out this useful resource titled: Ice Dams: Everything You Need to Know.
A Unique Outdoor Activity Tip For Winter
Many people forget that it’s still possible to get sunburns in the winter time. When the sun shines on blankets of snow the rays can actually be reflected and intensified. So if you know you are someone who burns easily, be sure to apply and reapply sunscreen.
No matter what you’re doing this year to escape indoor isolation, make sure safety is always kept in mind. There’s no shortage of hazards during the winter months, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get outdoors and brave the cold. Your mind and your body will thank you!
Featured photo credit: Gratisography via gratisography.com
