Connecting with nature during winter is more difficult than in the warmer months. There are many benefits of connecting with nature. But during the winter even nature lovers tend to spend less time outside. So, I wanted to share a few tips for connecting with nature during the colder weather.
Think quality- not quantity
One way that I try to make the most of my nature time during the colder months is to try to be more aware of every moment I do experience nature. From taking in a beautiful sunset as I walk across a parking lot to gazing at the stars while I wait for my dog to do her business. I try to be fully present whenever I am outdoors.
A trick I’ve found useful is I’ve trained myself to notice every time I see the sky. I picked the sky because it is ever-present. So whenever I see the sky I try to remember to say, “Thank you for getting me here.” This practice blends gratitude with mindfulness. It makes me mindful of where I am, and my surroundings. It is also an opportunity to express gratitude for where I am physically and metaphorically where I am in my life.
When possible eliminate distractions during your outdoor time. Put away the phone and you will be more likely to notice the wind rustling the trees or a songbird singing nearby.
Be aware of all your senses
Another way to make the most of your time outdoors is to consciously use all of your senses. We are all familiar with the traditional five senses: seeing, hearing, touch, smell, and taste. Humans tend to focus greatly on sight, so it may be helpful to bring to mind the other four. What am I hearing? Can I feel the air on my skin? What smells and tastes am I experiencing?
You can also go beyond the traditional five senses. Notice what it is like to feel the force of gravity holding you to the earth. Pay attention to your sense of balance. Notice how facing different directions feels different. Or how you feel differently while taking in an expansive view versus the details of a snowflake.
Bundle up and brave the cold
There is a mantra from Scandinavia, “There is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothes.” I encourage you to bundle up and spend some time outside despite the cold. You might be surprised to find connecting with nature during winter is more pleasant than you expect. You may find that the cold wind can revitalize you, or the snow can ignite childlike playfulness. Wearing several layers tend to keep you warmer than fewer, heavier pieces of clothing and allow you to adjust if you have overdressed.
Connect via a window, or even a device
If you can’t, or don’t want to spend even a few minutes outdoors, consider spending some time viewing the outdoors from behind a window. Although this limits your sensory experience to mostly to seeing and hearing, the added comfort may mean you are able to be still longer.
Another option is to connect to nature virtually. There have been studies that show that connecting to nature in this way still has benefits. There are many videos that offer nature experiences. This video – Forest Bathing Nature Therapy by dreamy sound is just one.
Think outside the box- nature is indoors too
While we tend to think of nature as being outside, there is nature to be found inside, too. Sitting with a houseplant, spending time with a pet, or being mindful of our contact with water are all ways to connect with nature indoors.
It bears remembering that we, humans are part of nature, too. This can easily be seen when spending time with children. Watching an infant, full of instinct, or a toddler discovering the world reminds is that we not that different than other animals. They discover their world in similar ways. It can be a bigger challenge to see this in adults, but it can be done. As Mary Oliver said, “You only have to let the soft animal of your body love what it loves.” And you will remember your place in the family of things.
Connecting with nature during winter is worth it
Whether you decide to bundle up and head outside, gaze out a window, or spend time with a pet, you can connect with nature during winter. Your mind, body, and soul will thank you!
You can also book a private winter walk, or look forward to our springtime public walks.
