You may be finding it challenging to spend time outside now that winter has arrived. It’s tempting to stay inside when the weather becomes colder, the days get shorter, and the weather gets snowier.
However, long periods of time spent indoors, away from sunlight, might disrupt your body’s circadian rhythms, also known as your internal clock. Circadian rhythms assist in regulating your sleep and waking cycles.
Even in the severe cold, if you dress appropriately and spend some time in nature, you’ll feel better. It can enhance your physical and emotional well-being, uplift your spirits, relieve stress, and aid in the prevention of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
Here are some activities that you can do with your family this winter:
Collect greenery
Even though December is not the busiest month for gardening, you can still make your own Christmas wreath or garland from found objects. Instead of spending money on pricey store-bought decor, take a trip in your garden, backyard, or nearby trail for eco-friendly ideas. Be mindful to abide by the rules for responsible foraging when you are out in the woods.
Look for anything that catches your eye, such as berries, pinecones, sprigs of evergreens and shrubs, holly, dried hydrangea flowers, seed pods, birch bark, intriguing twigs, and sticks. With only a few supplies and some twine, you can do a lot. The best part is that since your creations are compostable, removing them won’t result in waste.
Watch the birds
Birdwatching, which has been a popular pastime since the pandemic, is a terrific reason to go outside and explore your garden or the nearby woods. With the leaves gone, it will be simpler to recognize species that are year-round residents in Nova Scotia. Be on the lookout for purple finches, sparrows, orioles, juncos, chickadees, nuthatches, and blue jays. This can be a very good family bonding experience.
The Christmas Bird Count, an annual event that has been held across North America for more than a century, is participated in by birders from Nova Scotia, both seasoned and novice. The Nova Scotia count is coordinated by volunteers with the Nova Scotia Bird Society and takes place in over 30 locations between December 14 and January 5. Visit the society’s events homepage and get in touch with the volunteer who is in charge of arranging the count in your area to find out more about this year’s plans.
Take a walk
Going for a quiet stroll through the woods might elevate your dopamine levels and enhance your mood and wellbeing. Inquire about trails in city parks that are suitable for use during the winter from your local parks and recreation department. For instance, the Halifax Regional Municipality provides information on its municipal trails online, including whether restrooms, cellphone service, and benches are available.
More to these activities at https://www.yourdoctors.ca/blog/healthy-living/connect-nature
Reference:
https://www.yourdoctors.ca/
Photo by Colby Thomas on Unsplash
