Life! (In the Bleak Midwinter)

*In the Bleak Midwinter is a poem by published in 1872. In 1906,

Gustav Holst created the melody for the song we know today.

When we think about winter, images of hot cocoa, fireplaces and reading books while cuddled up on the couch come to mind. When cold months restrict our typical outdoor activities, it’s easy to forget that there are fun outdoor options, even in winter. We hope to inspire you to bundle up and get outside!

It is crucial to stay active in a time when people are spending more time in their homes. We often overlook the benefits of interacting with nature, especially during winter when it’s tempting to reach for a cozy blanket!

It’s easy to get in our daily dose of fresh air in the summer, but it’s even more important in the wintertime when we are cooped up inside. The air in our homes is usually more polluted than we think, with household cleaners, chemicals and electronics contributing to indoor pollution. There are also higher levels of carbon dioxide and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) indoors. Staying inside in the winter can be cozy, but it can also lead to sickness. Sharing unventilated space with others helps germs spread more easily and the dry air in our homes can help bacteria live longer.

Not only does getting outside help us breathe easier, it exposes us to Vitamin D from the sun. The sun doesn’t always like to show its face in Northeast PA winters, but every bit of sunlight helps! Vitamin D can boost your mood and immune sys- tem! Some research even suggests that Vitamin D can reduce cancer risk. In a time when seasonal depression can rear its ugly head, exposure to Vitamin D is important for mood stabilization.

Exercise is crucial in winter months, when people are walking less. Exercising outdoors in the winter can help boost metabolism, since our body works harder to stay warm. It can also reduce our risk of serious disease. Exercise not only helps us stay physically well, but it helps improve mental well-being, too. Taking a walk outside can boost endorphins, serotonin and dopamine, which are all chemicals in the brain that, when released, increase feelings of happiness and positivity.

Spending time outside in general, but especially in the winter, can reduce stress levels. Environmental psychologists have long pointed to nature as a remedy for the stresses of everyday life. Going for a simple hike is a sure way to reduce stress and stay healthy, both mentally and physically!

While it is important for everyone to get outdoors, it can be even more important for children, who may have a more difficult time staying indoors. Trekking outside with your kids is the perfect opportunity to connect with them without the distractions of work, school and technology. Studies show that children who spend more time outside display more versatile problem solving skills. Time in nature also encourages rich, imaginative creative thinking and play. Bundle up, grab your family and head outside!