5 Reasons to Get Outside During The Winter

This morning I dug my heavy winter coat out of the closet, found my wool socks, and laced up my Gore-tex boots. I drove out a local wildlife area and stepped out into the cold.

I took a three-mile hike across the bluffs lining the Missouri River today. During my snowy hike I had time to think about how great it was to enjoy the crisp air, bright sun, and quiet sounds of winter. I’m going to do it more often, and I hope you do, too.

Five Reasons to Get Outside During the Winter

5. Solitude

Winter is a great time to beat the crowd and be alone in the outdoors. Most people are too afraid of the cold and snow to get out, and during my hike I had the trail to myself.

4. Good exercise.

Cold weather is an added challenge for our bodies, because we’re not just getting exercise from our physical activity, we’re burning calories just staying warm. As long as you take the proper precautions for being out in cold weather, you can increase the intensity of any workout in colder weather.

3. Different flora and fauna

You’ll see different plants and animals when you’re out in the winter. Of course, most of the animals you see in warmer weather have gone underground, leaving behind a different mix of animals to spot in the colder months. Most of the trees are bare, making lots of birds easier to spot, and you might be surprised at how many animal tracks cross your own path as you walk.

2. Different Challenges

Winter weather is a different challenge than being out in warm weather because you have to account for snow and cold. You can’t just wander out in tennis shoes and a t-shirt. You have to prepare, and you have to be smart. Make sure you drink plenty of water (it’s surprisingly easy to dehydrate), and be sure to stay dry.

1. It’s Just Plain Beautiful.

In addition to the ambient glow of the sun reflecting off of the snow there were a million sights for me to see on my hike today. Ice hanging in trees, red berries and evergreen trees, red cardinals and even a bald eagle soaring over the Missouri River. I couldn’t find any of those things during the other three quarters of the year. And if I would have stayed at home, I would have missed them all.

Don’t miss out on what waits for you outdoors during the winter. Dress warm, drink water, and get outside!