5 Ways To Get Outside More This Winter (For The Sake Of Your Mental Health)

Nature contact—of any—kind reminds us of all that lies beyond our own heads. And you don't need to wait until the next time you jet out to a pristine beach or secluded mountaintop to reap these mental health benefits. You can find them on your daily walks through your neighborhood or nearby park. Yes, even the frigid ones! These five ideas will make this winter's nature outings more pleasant, meaningful, and oh-so-worth layering up for:

In nature, there's so much more than meets the eye, and these nonvisual cues4 can make our outdoor experiences all the more mindful and meaningful.

Awe is what we feel when we're faced with something beyond our comprehension, and it's usually followed by goose bumps and a slack jaw. It's common on impressive terrains like national parks, but you can also get it in more everyday encounters. The key is to open yourself up to new experiences that expand your understanding of the world. That new-to-you area of your neighborhood never looked so appealing.

An easy way to get in your nature contact on days when you're strapped for time is to tack it on to another activity. Perhaps you vow to take a recurring weekly call while out on a walk or listen to your favorite podcast drop in a local park. This may be a less mindful way to engage with the nature around you, but it'll still give you a quick fix of invigorating fresh air and vitamin D.

There's no reason to believe that nature's power gets muted when covered in snow or ice. In fact, one study out of the University of Michigan found that people enjoyed the same improvements in memory and attention when they walked outside during a dreary 25-degree day in January than they did during a sunny 80-degree one in summer. So, once you're layered up, trust that your mind is still being rejuvenated—even if you can't feel the rest of your face.

Of course, there will probably be days this season when getting outside really isn't in the cards. Luckily, research tells us6 that even looking at photos and reminders of nature can be enough to calm us down and improve our mood. Introduce more houseplants, nature photography, natural materials, and colors that remind you of a favorite landscape in your home this winter to bring some of the mental magic of the outside in.

Nature is a gift, and it's one that we should never take for granted—even in winter. Support your mind and mood this season by continuing to brush up against the natural world whenever you can using these little tips and techniques. I'll catch you out there.