Brrrrrrr! From the first day of winter: this season brings a variety of things on both the positive and negative spectrum.
One thing for sure it is undoubtedly cold. And with the cold comes the result of heaters, blankets, mittens, woolly hats, and other assorted insulators designed to keep us warm. At the same time, we shiver our way through the frosty months.
Mother Nature tends to be at her most beautiful in the winter; whether you experience ice, frost, and snow or just a drop in temperature, wintry weeks can be spectacular to behold. For many, the trees form the appearance of ice sculptures, and ponds freeze over into glacial tranquility — nature’s beauty in sparkling crystals.
Despite its beauty, the winds of winter are not for everyone. It’s a sad fact that mental setbacks – like seasonal affect disorder – and physical issues – like flared up chronic pain – can leave us isolated and unable to connect.
Connect with winter and try the tips below and view winter as an opportunity for tranquility, reflection, and adventure.
Connecting to Nature When It’s Cold Out
Nature in winter can bring greater self-awareness and moments of clarity. Part of the reason for this is because of the single aspect; the summer brings floods of people who want to enjoy the sunshine, but winter usually keeps everybody indoors. Embracing nature during the cold season often means having a lot of space and time to yourself with little to no distractions.
So how to embrace nature during the cold season? Winter is full of solitude, but it doesn’t have to be a time of hibernation! With a little creativity and practicality, it can be just as enjoyable outdoors as it is indoors. Below are some tips to make the winter season work for you while you enjoy and learn from the power of nature.
Dress appropriately
If you are going out in the cold, you need to ensure you are wrapped up warm! Especially rings true if you are particularly sensitive to the cold or you have arthritis. It’s important to dress for the weather; don’t worry about how you look. Nature doesn’t care about that. So, you shouldn’t either. Remember to stay safe, well, and ready to explore the wonders of the outdoors!
Plan a trip to a winter destination
Planning a winter outing is such a fantastic way to enjoy nature in the winter as it gives you something to look forward to and can provide some unforgettable experiences. Winter does not mean having to take a trip to a sunny country to escape it; in nature, each season has its unique perks. Enjoy each season with an open heart and let your soul dive into the magic.
Winter walk
Though many of us are tempted to stay inside curled up on the couch with hot cocoa during the cold winter weather, there are health benefits to bundling up and heading outside for a long walk instead. Getting just 15 minutes of sun on your face and hands two to three times per week should suffice for getting enough sun for vitamin D production.
Exercise helps counter this mild depression, releasing endorphins that pick up your mood. So, it’s extra important to walk in winter to chase away the blues, and even short walks can make a difference. The invigorating cold air can clear your mind and reduce stress, which can be helpful for weight loss… Even if you have to walk slower because of the weather, you may be burning more calories. And trudging through snow or walking into the wind takes more energy.
Did you know, being cold helps you burn more calories as the body has to work harder to maintain your core temperature. So, just going out for a stroll in cold winter weather may be a way to boost your body’s calorie-burning abilities as your body is working to keep you warm as well as keep you moving.
Winter meditation
Meditating out in the cold may not seem much fun, but when done correctly, it can be an enjoyable experience. Wrapping up warm and a simple trip to the park is enough. The sight of a frozen pond with the sunlight glistening down on it creates a beautiful scenery of tranquility, almost magical in its vision.
The absence of others also means there is less sound to distract you. Alternatively, if you live in a place without snow, you can sit in the garden, close your eyes and let nature wash over you. Let the fresh air-ground you with nature!
Bring nature to you
If you feel you cannot go outside during the cold months, you could always bring nature to you instead! Fill your home with pinecones, flowers, find some paintings with naturistic landscapes and hang them up, and place crystals on the mantlepieces.
Nature is all around, and there is more than one way to spend time with it.
Conclusion
Winter doesn’t have to be a time to stop enjoying nature, OH no, it’s time to cuddle into it!” We can still enjoy the view in all its beauty and benefits if we adjust ourselves a little to our surroundings. Delight yourself in the blanket of winter and take in the splendor of its charm.