The Best Outdoor Winter Activities

Conquering The Winter Blues

Just because it's cold and snowy doesn't mean you have to stop being an outdoor enthusiast. You don't have to crawl back inside the house and patiently wait for spring and better days. Actually, staying active during the winter is not only good for your physical health but can help you with seasonal depression, too. When you exercise or spend your time on activities, your body releases endorphins that reduce your perception of pain and trigger a positive feeling. Winter blues are pretty usual, especially this early in the winter, and the best way to fight it is by making the most out of the winter period. Keep on reading and find activities that could help you stay active and keep a smile on your face.

Ice Skating

Ice-skating is one of those activities that you can enjoy regardless of age or the temperature outside. Not only is it a fun way to pass the time, but it's also a good alternative for your workout routine while enjoying the beautiful scenery around you. Being a fun activity for the whole family, ice-skating is often a go-to solution for keeping your body active and your family engaged. It's easy on the joints, relatively inexpensive and open for all ages!

Sledding

Did you know that adults are supposed to get at least two and a half hours of physical activity every week? It's the minimum amount of time you have to spend on yourself to get significant health benefits. If it has been some time since your last walk or a workout, sledding might be just for you! It's a great exercise and extremely fun. The part of going uphill through snow is a great workout for your heart, muscles and bones. Going downhill is just fun and good for your soul! You spend time outside soaking up the Vitamin D and breathing in the fresh air instead of being at home staring at the TV. How can sledding NOT be a stress detox?

Hiking

Hiking is a great way to spend time in nature and experience its beauty. So, it doesn't come as a surprise that hiking is one of the most popular outdoor activities in Canada. Spending time in the woods among trees actually offers great health benefits and helps not only with your physical but with mental health too. It helps with lowering blood pressure and cortisol levels and keeps your mind sharper and calmer. It might take a while to fully enjoy a hike so, if you're just getting started with hiking, try short hikes first. Focus on the journey, not the time - it doesn't matter when you reach your destination, what matters is you enjoying the great outdoors. Don't forget to pack a snack!

Hammock Camping

While you're at it and hiking, why not go the extra step and try hammocking in the winter? It's an experience worth trying, especially in these social-distancing times that come with anxiety and stress. A hammock is easy to set up and comes with a lot of benefits - the swaying helps your brain deal with insomnia, it does wonders for your back and you're spending time outdoors among trees which makes you calmer. Hammocking in the winter might sound challenging but with proper equipment, tips & tricks, it will be an experience you'll return calmer and happier from.

Snowboarding

Snowboarding might sound intimidating at first, but it shouldn't be. You don't have to be a pro for snowboarding - it is manageable even if you're a beginner. Enjoying beautiful scenery, having fun and doing some cardio at the same time sounds like a great combo for getting those endorphins going.

Skiing

Just like snowboarding, skiing offers a huge adrenaline rush. It's a great activity for the whole family but offers a special thrill if you're doing it alone. With the adrenaline rush, spending time in nature and hanging around with people you like, skiing offers a major benefit to your mental health. Plus - it's a great exercise since you're moving your whole body around in heavy equipment.

Play With Snow

Yes, it doesn't have to be complicated and you don't have to learn a new specific skill. Just good old spending time in the snow. Be outdoors, play with the snow! You can build an igloo, make a snowman or a few snow angels - create a good throwback to childhood and simpler times. Make sure to include your pets in the fun, too!

The Takeaway

When colder months arrive, we don't really fight the urge to stay inside, snuggle up in a blanket with a cup of hot chocolate. Sometimes, we should embrace that desire and stay in with a good movie or a book. But it's easy to stay in that state of mind and get the winter blues quickly. That is why you should try and stay active, spend time outdoors and get the endorphins going. You can always come back to your blanket and a movie after some playing in the snow.

P.S. Movie night in an igloo also works!