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Winter Wellness: How the Outdoors Can Boost Your Mind and Mood
The Mental Health Minute

Welcome to
The Mental Health Minute!
Trivia Question❓
Which part of the day in winter offers the softest natural light for mindful outdoor walks?
Answer at the bottom of the newsletter
Winter Wellness: How the Outdoors Can Boost Your Mind and Mood
There’s something inherently calming about spending time in nature, even during the colder months. Whether it’s a crisp walk through snow-dusted parks, a hike in frost-covered woods, or simply sitting outside bundled up and enjoying the winter air, nature has a unique ability to boost mental health year-round. Studies show that spending time outdoors, even in winter, can reduce stress, lower anxiety levels, and improve overall mood.
One reason nature is so powerful is that it provides a natural environment for relaxation and rejuvenation. In the midst of winter, when shorter days and digital distractions dominate, the outdoors offers a peaceful escape. Fresh air, quiet snowy landscapes, and natural light—especially on bright winter days—help your mind focus on the present moment, giving relief from constant stimuli like emails, social media, and work demands.
Winter nature experiences can also improve cognitive function. Walking through a snowy trail or observing frost patterns can enhance creativity, focus, and problem-solving skills. Physical activity in the cold, whether it’s a brisk walk, cross-country skiing, or even shoveling snow, encourages movement that releases endorphins—the brain’s natural mood boosters—while invigorating your body in a way warm weather doesn’t always replicate.
The winter environment also encourages mindfulness. The crunch of snow underfoot, the crisp scent of pine, or the sight of frosted branches invites a mindful awareness of your surroundings. Observing wildlife in winter or simply noticing the changing seasons can help you feel grounded and present, offering a meditative pause from daily stressors.
You don’t need to plan an extensive hike to reap these benefits. Spending just 20 minutes outside, bundled appropriately, can significantly reduce stress and elevate mood. So, embrace the season: take a walk, enjoy a quiet snowy landscape, or breathe in the crisp winter air. Winter nature has a subtle but powerful way of calming the mind and revitalizing the body, reminding us that even in cold months, healing and rejuvenation are just outside your door.
See you next week!
Scott Lifer,
Editor In Chief
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💡 Answer to Trivia Question:
Morning, especially just after sunrise.
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