A New Way to Explore: Introducing TNC’s Interactive Trail Map – Duplicate – [#39474]

Winter often prompts a desire to stay indoors to maximize cozy feelings and gain respite from colder weather and shorter days. These feelings make sense! Winter is a season that reminds us that everything in nature requires a slower pace in order to conserve energy; trees lose leaves, animals hibernate or brumate, and the blanket of leaves on the ground insulates the earth during colder temperatures. However, people tend to cluster indoors during the colder winter months, leading to increased exposure to illness. This fact paired with stress that comes from the holiday season and its ever shifting schedules and social expectations can make winter a difficult time for our physical and mental health.

Spending time outdoors in the winter can alleviate some of these concerns and help us get the most benefit from the shorter days. Being outside allows our bodies to synthesize Vitamin D from exposure to the winter sun, and unlike the summer months, overall levels of UV are decreased (always wear sunscreen, though!). Vitamin D is crucial for maintaining proper absorption of calcium, promoting stronger bones and increasing the immune system’s defenses against bacteria and viruses. Sunlight also promotes the production of serotonin and dopamine, the chemicals in our brains that lead to increased feelings of happiness. Serotonin specifically is tied to gut health, supporting a healthy metabolism and better overall digestive health. These chemicals and sunshine also lead to better sleep and help to maintain your circadian rhythm.

Time outdoors in the winter is best accomplished by moving your body to stay warm. When weather allows for it, sledding, ice skating and snowshoeing can be ways to have fun outdoors. The endorphins from movement can help sharpen our mental acuity. Of course, as a nature center, we’re partial to hiking! Moving through nature can improve your focus, as well as your creativity. Come to TNC and allow the sensory details of winter to inspire you; the sounds of the wind in the trees, the imagery of dark branches against the bright sky, and the patterns in the ice. You’ll be part of a larger community (which is, unsurprisingly, another scientifically proven way to boost your mental health!).