When we think of playing outdoors on a chilly winter day, we tend to envision children building forts and making snow angels. However, the snow-covered landscape and colder temperature may have just as much to offer adults as it does for children. Not only does the added movement and exercise help our physical fitness, but getting outdoors also provides other surprising health benefits for adults (and children).
1. Better Mood: Winter’s role in seasonal mood changes is largely linked to lack of sunshine and fresh air. The solution: Bundle up! Jesse Higgins, MPH, MSN, RN, PMHNP-BC, director of Integrated Behavioral Health, Northern Light Acadia Hospital, says, “Not only can the jovial fun of sledding, skiing and ice-skating offer laughs, but time in the great outdoors can boost our mood and general sense of well-being. Getting outside in the morning is particularly effective in preventing and treating the depression, fatigue, and insomnia that tend to surface in the winter months.”
2. Strong Immune System: Wintertime is associated with illness because we spend so much time indoors, gathering with others in rooms with closed windows and doors. Spending time out in the cold can strengthen our immune system. Not only does elevated physical activity invigorate our bodies and free us from sharing air with others, but cold weather can also increase the production of white blood cells as part of our natural defense system.
3. Sense of Resiliency: Digging out those shovels in the midst of a snowstorm and demonstrating that we are up for both the mental and physical feat can bring about a sense of strength, resiliency, and accomplishment after the task is done.
4. Building Community: Jesse also reminds us that, “One of the wonderful things about living in a northern climate is the sense of community that comes from helping one another through the winter months. Do you have older adults in your circle or neighborhood who might need some assistance digging out? Being outdoors in the cold builds our sense of resilience; being out in the cold while helping others, and exercising our muscles, makes us feel good about ourselves and our community.”
So, the next time the frosty air arrives, and the flakes start to fly, let your inner child free. Bundle up and grab a sled, skates, or skis (or a shovel!) for some grown-up fun outside. You may discover more benefits than you realized was possible.
For more great tips to support your health, go to https://northernlighthealth.org/Campaigns/How-Are-You