Winter shows us a natural world that’s deep in slumber and softness: bare trees, cushy snow, minimal movement and maximum rest

It’s hard not to dread the colder days and longer nights, especially when we’re always moving so fast during a season that’s designed to be slow. But it is possible to enjoy this season as long as we don’t try to rush through it or push our bodies too far. Winter is a time for reflection and for recouping energy spent in the warmer months.

Here are some ways we can boost our mental health by connecting with the nature outside (and within) to make our days feel a little lighter...

Play outside

As adults, we forget that we still need and thrive on playtime—and not just those of us who have children in our lives. Grab your grown-up friends, get outside, and remind yourselves what it was that you loved about the cold weather as a kid. Maybe it was skating on a newly frozen pond, making snow angels, building a snow fort, sledding or tubing, or even snowball fights. Releasing our inner child will help us appreciate the elements and remember the feeling of winter bliss.skating on pondPhoto by Tim Foster on Unsplash

Hike, walk and observe

There’s so much beauty to take in during a winter hike. Tune into your senses and get to know the parks and woods around you. You may have walked through them dozens of times, but there’s always something new to discover in each season. Start an adventure journal, write down what you see, take photos, keep a diary of the changing days, pay attention to the trees and identify the species, or go stargazing at night and revel in their brightness—it may just help you to rediscover yours!

Go winter foraging

Another great activity to explore while you’re walking through the woods is winter foraging. There’s plenty of food waiting for you in the woods—you just have to know how to find it. Winter foraging makes a walk through natural areas feel like a treasure hunt and you won’t believe what you can find in close proximity to your home. Be safe and ethical in identifying wild foods and if you want to learn more about winter foraging, read more here.

Exchange seeds and resources

Winter is one of the best seasons for gardeners. It’s a time where we make plans and gather with our community of gardeners around us to share stories. In winter, we can swap seeds with neighbours, share what we learned in the past year(s) of growing, and spread the gardening love. There’s nothing that makes winter feel warmer than good company (and good home-grown food).

Watch the wildlife

If you or your loved ones are animal-lovers, you may enjoy wildlife-watching more in the winter than in the spring or summer. Without the lush woods sheltering the animals, you’ll have an easier time spotting birds, beavers and deer in the colder season as they search for food. If you really want a show, you can craft a bird feeder out of recycled materials, wait for a sunny day, and grab a spot nearby to watch the birds flock to your area for food. You can even go the extra mile to identify the birds that visit so you can feel more knowledgeable and connected to the nature that surrounds your home.deerPhoto by Cathy Holewinski on Unsplash

Make nature crafts and decorations

Bringing a bit of nature inside helps make our homes feel a little more in tune with the outdoors. Be mindful as you forage and gather materials like twigs, pinecones, and leaves—they may be sheltering hibernating insects. If they’re clear, use them for crafts or for your identifying journals. Decorations like cedar garland or pine trees don’t just have to dress our homes for the holidays—we can let them grace our spaces until the early signs of spring.

Go inside and reflect

Of course we’re all spending a little more time indoors in the winter—that’s normal! The best way to respect nature and connect with your surroundings is to own this slower period of time. Once you’ve gone outside for a bit, head in, grab your journal and get to thinking. Remember to make time to slow down, be mindful and be reflective this winter. The time for rushing will come; each season has its purpose.