10 Reasons to Hit the Trail this Winter
If the short, cold days of Montana’s winter have you tempted to stay inside, here’s your pep talk on why getting outside for a little exercise is so important.
In a stressed out, overly digital world, study after study shows that taking time in nature has incredible effects on our mental wellbeing, as well as our physical health.
Change your outside time; change your life.
As little as 2 hours a week in natural/outdoor spaces has been shown to improve health.
A walk or ski in nature can:
- Improve your mood
- Improve sleep
- Improve immune function
- Improve energy levels
- Improve memory
- Improve stress, anxiety, and depression
- Decrease blood pressure
- Decrease resting heart rate
- Decrease cortisol levels
- Reduce obesity and diabetes
“But I’m just so busy”
If you find yourself forgoing outdoor time in the name of being more productive at work or school: don’t. The reality is that taking 30 or 60 minutes to step outside might actually make you more productive and creative. And the research backs that. Office workers & students who spend time in nature show improved cognitive functioning, increased time on task, and increased attention to detail.
Your mental health
Winter can be a tough time for many mountain town inhabitants, and mental health often suffers. Here are a few more reasons to hit the trail:
Regular exercise promotes positive changes in the brain, and it can be a powerful tool for everyday mental health, relieving stress, and impacting depression and anxiety. A study from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that running for 15 minutes a day or walking for an hour reduces the risk of major depression by 26%.
Outdoor time triggers physiologic responses that help your body reduce stress levels and help you mentally recharge. To get the most benefits, practice paying more attention to the small details in your surroundings while you're out. Note the pattern of ice, the clouds in the sky, the line of a branch, the heat of the sun, or the curve of a snowdrift. Using all your senses also helps restore a sense of calm.
Want to know more? Bridger Ski Foundation has a new online toolkit for mental health & wellness, with resources for parents, athletes, and community members. Visit this link to learn more.
Family time outside
While outside time is critical for adults, research indicates that it may have an even more serious effect on children, impacting their long-term development and overall well-being for years to come. Family-focused nature-based activities are also a great way to improve communication with your kids.
Be sure to check out our other blog posts to learn more about getting outside in the winter months. To stay up to date on Oboz happenings, subscribe to our newsletter or check us out on Instagram. To learn more about the Bridger Ski Foundation click here.
