Going out of the house may be one of the more therapeutic things anyone can do. There have been a lot of benefits proven to be associated with spending time outdoors. It’s a great way to get “sunshine vitamin” or Vitamin D which can help prevent osteoporosis, cancer, depression, heart attacks, and stroke.
Going outside also gives you a chance to sneak some exercise into your day, resulting in a better mood.
However, going outdoors becomes less appealing when winter comes. You have to stack up layers and layers of clothing just to bear the temperature – not to mention dealing with snow.
It’s just a lot more comfortable to stay indoors where the heater is. Some people also suffer Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a type of depression that comes with the changing of the seasons, and it’s most likely to affect a person during cold and gloomy seasons.
Going out may be easier said than done, but there are a few ways to make it a little more enjoyable and productive:
1. Take a walk
Walking while thinking is often featured in films and books, and there might be a good reason behind this. According to a study by M. Oppezzo and D.L. Schwartz of Stanford University, “Walking opens up the free flow of ideas, and it is a simple and robust solution to the goals of increasing creativity and increasing physical activity.”
They measured the creative thinking of people who walked in a treadmill indoors and people who walked outdoors. They have discovered that while walking outdoors stimulates creativity better, walking – in general – increases creativity until they take a seat after the walk.
Aside from this, walking is an underrated form of exercise. Because it’s not as physically demanding as running, walking is recommended for fitness beginners, people with obesity, knee, ankle, and back problems.
2. Ski
Exploring terrains, bonding with family and friends, cool gears, and fun exercise. These are some of the many amazing things about skiing. This sport is said to improve blood circulation and heart health. It’s also a great workout for the legs as it works on endurance and resistance.
The gears for the sport have also evolved to become more comfortable in the middle of a snowy mountain. Snow boots ensure that your toes don’t freeze as you slide down the hill, and Giro Union MIPS gear and helmets provide a comfortable and adjustable fit with great ventilation and thermal control.
3. Build a snowman
You might want to get in touch with the child within and spend some quality time with family. Building a snowman and having a snowball fight could be two of the best ways to do this. This will give you constant laughter while creating new memories that you will all look back to in the future.
You can also take pictures to put on your holiday postcard. Aside from this, you can turn it into a competitive sport between family and friends to exercise good, wholesome fun and sportsmanship.
Getting some sun in winter is completely possible once you’ve fought through the lethargy caused by the cold weather. There are fun and exciting ways to get some exercise, bond with family and friends, and also fuel your creativity.
