One of our team members was recently reading a book with this same title by Linda McGurk and it got us all thinking- why are we complaining about it getting colder? The change of seasons for so many signals a time to huddle inside and wait for spring to roll around, but the fact of the matter is the benefits of being outdoors do not diminish during the winter months. In fact, the benefits may even have more of an effect on us!
It is scientifically proven that spending time outside leads to less stress, higher self-esteem, and an overall happier outlook. Mood and focus are drastically altered for people who spend more time outside. Winter frequently brings on more bouts of depression for some, so it seems logical that the solution may be very simple- get outside!
Of course, the benefits are not just limited to mental and emotional boosts, our physical health is also greatly affected by spending time outside. In addition to the assumed increase in exercise and movement it promotes, being outdoors has been shown to lower blood pressure, increase recovery time for the ill, and even support graceful aging! Our children stand to benefit as well. Children who spend more time outside have better attention spans, improved sensory skills, higher immunities, and develop cognitive social skills quicker than those who spend more time inside. This is all in addition to the physical health benefits!
I can hear you now though, “but… it’s cold!”
Well, bundle up! The fact is, East Tennessee winters are significantly milder than most of the country. So, put a coat on and engage in some of these awesome local outdoor winter activities!
Winter Hiking
Rainbow Falls, Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Hiking does not have to be restricted to the warmer months. There is a plethora of choices in East Tennessee when it comes to beautiful locales that can be hiked any time of year. However, hiking in winter can be more challenging. Be sure to stick to trails that you know during this time of year, as the sun sets much earlier in the day. Also, even though it seems counter intuitive, you want to stay cool! That’s right! Hiking generates a lot of body heat and sweat. Dress properly to stay dry when hiking in the winter because if you stop and your clothes are wet, you’re going to feel cold. Layering is the best method. Remove and put back on layers as you progress. Lastly, eat! This is hiking 101, but especially in the winter. You will burn even more calories in the winter trying to stay warm, so be sure to eat plenty to keep your energy up. Don’t be scared, get out there and enjoy our amazing countryside!
Christmas Light Walk
Market Square, Downtown Knoxville
Ditch the car and plan to walk around to look at Christmas lights this year. So many neighborhoods have sidewalks that you can stroll down while viewing all the festive decorations. Pack some hot chocolate and enjoy the beauty of your neighborhood. If you’re looking for something specific, you can always check out the Knoxville Christmas & Holiday Light Decorations group on Facebook. They have a huge list of great neighborhoods to stroll to see some amazing displays. Several businesses in Knoxville also have went all out for the holidays, including Zoo Knoxville, which is offering a fantastic walk through light show every night through January 3rd. Founders Park off Campbell Station in Farragut also goes big for Christmas, decorating the entire park in lights and holiday themed décor. Stop by there to see the lights for absolutely FREE! Of course, Downtown Knoxville is not to be missed either, as Market Square is lit up with decorations! The best thing about all these activities in 2020 are they are completely Pandemic approved. You can social distance with ease!
Park Cleanup
Sharps Ridge Playspace and Adaptive Trails
It’s the time of year to give back to your community. Take the family to one of your local parks and turn the play into something special by cleaning up while you are there. The great thing about Knoxville is our local parks are kept in tip top shape, but if you wanted to help out by picking up some litter while you are out, we have no doubt they would appreciate it! It is a great opportunity to let your kids play while they are making a little difference in their community. Earthadelic believes strongly in this and has been instrumental in helping out our community by working on projects like the Ijams Primal Playround, the Botanical Gardens, the SoKno Playground, and the brand-new Sharp’s Ridge Playspace and Adaptive Trails. We love our city and enjoy nothing more than giving back to it! If you’re feeling really adventurous, leave the kids at home and hit a trail for some plogging. You read that right, plogging. This is a new fad the originated in Sweden and swept across Europe combining jogging and picking up litter. Let’s bring it to America!
As you can see, the options really are endless, and we need the boost in health and attitude more than ever. Use this holiday season to change the stigma- get outside and show the world that there is no such thing as bad weather!
Sources-
https://www.sharp.com/health-news/5-ways-being-outdoors-can-make-you-healthier-and-happier.cfm
https://myfcph.org/benefits-of-being-outdoors-and-physical-activity/
https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/a-prescription-for-better-health-go-alfresco
https://news.sanfordhealth.org/childrens/play-outside/
https://www.outdoors.org/articles/amc-outdoors/how-to-winter-hike-5-tips-to-get-you-started
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