Spending time outside can help boost your mood and both your physical and mental health, especially in the winter months, according to the TurfMutt Foundation.
“Getting outside in the wintertime can really help your state of mind,” said Kris Kiser, president of the TurfMutt Foundation, an organization that has spent the last 15 years advocating for outdoor living and the care and stewardship of gardens, parks, and other green spaces, for the benefit of all.
“Just twenty minutes outside can make a big difference for your mood and mental health. It might take a little more preparation and planning but it’s doable with the right outdoor wear.”
The TurfMutt Foundation noted a few reasons why getting outside in the wintertime is good for you.
Outdoor time elevates mood. Exposure to natural light – even in the shorter days of winter – raises levels of serotonin, the body’s “happy chemical.” Sunlight is also a good way to get a natural dose of vitamin D, which is good for bones and the immune system.
Recent research suggests that spending just a few minutes walking outside may enhance mood, memory, and the ability to absorb new information. Just five minutes can improve your mood, according to research.
More calories are burned when it’s cold. Being outside in colder temperatures requires your body to work harder to keep you warm. Consequently, more calories are burned.
Activity boosts immunity. According to MedlinePlus, exercise helps decrease risk for heart disease, maintains bone health and can help flush bacteria out of the lungs and airways.
Nature’s benefits can relieve stress – fast. A study from the University of Michigan concluded that spending just 20 minutes in a natural setting reduces the level of cortisol, the stress hormone.
Researchers at the University of Michigan also conducted a study that revealed walking in a natural setting versus an urban one improved recall ability by nearly 20%.
There is less daylight in winter, so the TurfMutt Foundation said it is important to pay attention to your surroundings. Options include wearing a head lamp, reflective clothing, or using a flashlight. While it’s not an issue in many countries, the foundation also urged people to not exercise outside when the temperature or windchill is below -23 C due to the risk of frostbite.
