Health Benefits of Going Outside in Winter

It’s harder to find the will to bundle up and spend time outside when the temperature drops during winter. However, the health benefits definitely outweigh the extra time and effort needed to prepare. I truly believe we need to experience all four seasons to fully appreciate them and our minds and bodies.

Parks and hiking trails are less crowded during the winter months, allowing you more opportunities for personal space and solitude. The snow-covered landscapes are a beautiful, inspiring sight to behold. If seeing a frozen waterfall is on your bucket list, join us here in Asheville for a yoga hike most weekends (weather-permitting) December - February. Our winters are actually pretty mild here in North Carolina compared to lots of other places. See our blog post on Weather & Temperature in Asheville to make sure you are packing proper clothes and shoes.

Some people experience Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) in the colder months as a result of decreased exposure to sunlight and low levels of vitamin D. This is a biological condition in which your body produces depression-like symptoms including anxiety, exhaustion, and overwhelming sadness. In fact, it’s thought to be the cause of recurring depression in 10-20% of US women. Even if it’s gray or cloudy out, you’ll still get the sun’s mood-boosting benefits. Vitamin D may also help deter heart attacks and some types of cancer as well as improve conditions including osteoporosis.

More often than not, we get sick from being stuck indoors and are exposed to more people and their germs, not from spending time outdoors. (Airplanes and airports are THE WORST in my experience.) Go outside and get some fresh air every now and then!

Stanford University Research suggests that walking outdoors can actually promote the free flow of ideas, improve brain function and mental focus. And a little physical activity is good for your muscles and cardio health too! Plus, your body will burn more calories when it’s cold.

A study published in the Journal of Aging Health in 2008 suggests that getting outside is important for aging. Seventy-year-olds who spent time outdoors daily reported fewer bouts of pain and had less trouble sleeping.

Subscribe to our youtube channel for new outdoor yoga videos you can follow along with indoors or outdoors now and all year round! We’ll have a variety of yoga flows to get your muscles moving as well as some more relaxing classes to relax your body and mind.