Vitamin Nature

As the days get colder and darker it can be difficult to find the motivation to exercise outdoors–or at all. Many of us experience a mood shift and report feeling more sluggish or may have a tendency to oversleep and overeat during the winter months. The decrease in sunlight may disrupt your body’s internal clock and lead to feelings of low mood or even depression. 

Remember that engaging in regular physical activity can improve your energy and mood. There is also a growing body of research that suggests nature has enormous emotional and cognitive benefits that include improved attention, lower stress, better mood, reduced risk of psychiatric disorders, and even upticks in empathy and cooperation ¹. Although it is too soon to make specific guidance, one study found that spending 120 minutes a week in nature was an important threshold associated with good health and well-being ². Nature might just be the ultimate multivitamin! 

Enjoying the outdoors does not mean you have to fit the cliche image of being “outdoorsy” by hiking the tallest mountain peaks or going camping. Plus, not everyone has the time, money, or physical mobility to access remote wilderness. The good news is that both green and blue (aquatic) spaces produce well-being benefits. More remote and biodiverse areas may foster a greater connection to nature but even urban parks and trees can lead to positive outcomes ¹.

There is no one way to enjoy nature–figure out what works for you and get outside! For you, enjoying nature may mean walking in a local park or taking a moment to appreciate the birds or other animals in your own yard or neighborhood. 

For more tips on how to stay active and warm this winter, read our blogs:

How to Stay Active & Warm this Winter

7 Tips to Stay Active & Warm When It Is Cold & Dark. 

1.White MP, Alcock I, Grellier J, et al. Spending at least 120 minutes a week in nature is associated with good health and wellbeing. Sci Rep. 2019;9(1):1-11. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-44097-3. Accessed Sep 11, 2022. doi: 10.1038/s41598-019-44097-3.

2.Nurtured by nature. https://www.apa.org Web site. https://www.apa.org/monitor/2020/04/nurtured-nature.

Daily Challenge

Take a moment or 5, or 10 to engage with nature. This could be as simple as watching the birds out of your window or taking a short walk in nearby nature.