 photo credit Daniel Malinkovich @malinkovich Shortened cold, gray and damp days are hardly elements that motivate us to get outside, right? When I talk with teens in my office about spending time in nature, particularly in the winter months, the conversation quickly shifts to avoiding the cold and waiting until Spring when things warm up and everything starts to brighten and bloom again. I get it. We’re more inclined to associate winter as a time for solitude and it's important to make time for rest, but the reality is when we allow the conditions of each season to control our relationship with the natural world, our preferences may result in waiting out the “uncomfortable” for the more “comfortable” and before we know it, we can end up spending days, even months stuck inside. When we consider the growing body of research that has advanced our understanding of how time in nature improves our mental health and well-being, it seems worthy to reconsider the conditioned response that has many of us avoiding the winter climate. Nature provides the ideal setting to observe our reactions to present moment experiences. Pause for a moment now, and imagine yourself preparing to spend the next 20-minutes outside no matter the conditions. What happens within your own internal landscape? Maybe you notice resistance, slight tension in your body, feelings of dread, maybe your mind creates negative thoughts about how this experience might unfold or excuses for why this is a bad idea? Or maybe, you welcome the proposal noticing a small burst of energy in your body and your mind is already preparing to bundle up for an adventure? Regardless of your current relationship status with the natural world, taking into account that nature is also the ideal setting for quieting the mind, calming the body, and resetting the nervous system, one might argue that it’s a relationship worth making space for. And beyond our own benefit, research suggests that how we think about nature; our affective relationship with and the extent to which we see ourselves as part of nature has an impact on nature’s wellbeing too. Whether it’s simply standing outside your front door to stretch and take a few full breaths of fresh air, gazing out the window to experience snowflakes gently falling to the ground, or mindfully taking a walk through your neighborhood, setting the intention to venture outside several times a week (yes, even in the Winter) is important for your mental wellness and here are some ideas to get you started this season! Feeling Cold A negative association with feeling cold is often one of the biggest deterrents to spending time in nature during the winter months. In this exercise, we set the intention to spend just a few minutes outside exploring the sensation of cold, with a curious attitude versus judgment. You might dress in a winter coat but leave the hat and mittens for your mindful winter walk; the aim is not to experience extreme discomfort, but to simply notice the sensations of cold. Be safe and consider the temperature before heading out.
The next time you bundle up to head outside, notice your anticipation or reaction to going out into the cold. How could it impact your experience? Step Outside to Energize Take a short break from online school or homework and notice what happens when you connect with nature by stepping outside into the cool brisk air for a mind-body break.
Moon Gazing With less daylight in the winter months, the darkness provides us with more opportunities to witness the moon rise and set. Look up with wonder and awe concentrating on the here and now; moon and stargazing is a fun mindfulness experience to share with friends or family! Dress for the weather, make sure you’re comfortable. You can sit or stand, or consider using a warm blanket and lying down. Find a comfortable place outside where you have a clear view of the moon and/or stars. In this exercise allow your body to settle and be still. Bring awareness to the simplicity and greatness of being under the stars in the brisk winter air. Look up at the sky taking in the wholeness of what you see. Simply spend time gazing at the moon and stars. If you get distracted by thoughts or things around you, simply guide your attention back to what you’re seeing above you. Before ending this mindfulness activity, check in with how you feel and then head inside for a warm cup of hot chocolate! Mindful Winter Walk Consider setting an intention to walk each week engaging your senses in the present moment. A simple walk in your yard, at a nearby park, or grab a friend and check out one of the many county parks near you! Slow your pace for a portion of your walk bringing your full attention to the sensation of your feet connecting to the earth beneath you. Pause for a minute or two to engage your senses:
Nature Meditation by a Window We often go through the motions of daily living without really paying attention to the wonder that’s right outside the window. This simple exercise is an invitation to pause and connect with the natural world from the comfort of your own home. Dropping into the present moment can activate the body’s natural relaxation response, reducing stress levels. The key to accessing the benefits of this break is to bring a level of attention and mindfulness to the activity.
Author Jen Rapanos, LMSW, RCYT child and adolescent psychotherapist and owner of Well-Bean. © Copyright 2021 Well-Bean, LLC. All rights reserved. www.wellbeankidsyoga.com Comments are closed.
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