In the first post of this series we looked at some common reasons for disliking winter: fewer daylight hours and feeling like you have to be stuck inside. As we discussed last time, winter weather does not necessarily mean you can’t spend time outside. With some preparation and thoughtful consideration, you can experience the outdoors even in the depths of winter.

City Center's Dr. Meredith Hemphill spoke with Paula de la Cruz for her PALOOLA podcast on how to prepare for winter during a pandemic and the special challenges faced by urban dwellers who may have less access to nature. Their conversation makes evident that, with a little preparation, we can enjoy winter both indoors and out. They suggest dressing based on weather predictions (do you need a hat or raincoat today?) and bringing along helpful items (water and perhaps a snack), that will ensure you can spend all the time you wish to outside.

Another helpful suggestion: have an 'explorer mentality,' even when experiencing places you know. This could mean going out at a different time of day, taking a different route, or taking the time to notice new things. You might also try visiting a favorite destination at a quieter time of day than you usually do, such as early in the morning or late in the evening. By experiencing a familiar location at an unfamiliar time, you invite yourself to notice new and different qualities about that space and thus allow yourself to become immersed in nature more fully.

A helpful tool for immersing yourself in nature (or any experience) is utilizing Mindfulness skills, including:

Setting an intention by asking yourself what you would like to get out of your time spent in nature—is this journey physical, to get some movement into your day? Are you taking some time to clear your mind and reduce stress?
Cultivating awareness by noticing things, like the soft patter of snowfall or the hint of smoke in the winter air.
Approaching situations without judgement, for example, if the day becomes unexpectedly windy, not letting that change your appreciation for your time spent outdoors.

Nature can be its most beneficial when it's absorbing, so create the time and awareness to experience it fully in order to really benefit from your time outdoors.

What’s one more way to make exploring the outdoors more exciting during winter? Share the experience. Spending time outdoors with others is a wonderful socially-distanced activity option and it can allow you to experience a space in a new way.

For more about sharing time with others during the winter, stay tuned for Part 3 of our Preparing for Shorter Days blog series, ‘Sharing winter with others.’

A note on the “winter blues”

Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, is a recurrent major depressive disorder with a seasonal pattern.

Symptoms can include feelings of hopelessness and sadness, thoughts of suicide, changes in sleep patterns, changes in appetite (especially a craving for sweet or starchy foods), heaviness in the arms and legs, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, a drop in energy level, and mood changes including increased irritability or sensitivity. SAD symptoms usually begin in the fall and continue through winter months. For those suffering from SAD, treatment with the help of a licensed mental health professional can be an effective way to feel better. Learn more about Seasonal Affective Disorder on our website. If you'd like to learn more about available treatment options, contact us today.

Preparing for Shorter Days Part 2: An explorer mentality

Preparing for Shorter Days Part 3: Sharing winter with others

Preparing for Shorter Days Part 1: Changing your perspective on winter