As we are now within the depths of the coldest time of year, it is hard not to want to hibernate and remain indoors until it no longer requires 20 minutes of adding layers to step outside, even briefly. And though the thought of spending time outside right now is not appealing, actually doing it is far better than we anticipate, as there are many real science-backed benefits to doing so. One of the main reasons we should be spending time outside is to get sunlight. Getting sunlight in our eyes, especially first thing in the morning, does wonders for regulating our circadian rhythm, which impacts the quality of our sleep and mood regulation, which are essential pillars of our health. It is also well-known that sunlight triggers the first response that your body requires to create vitamin D, which has numerous benefits and essential functions in the body.
Along with the winter months comes the onset of SAD for many of us, too, which we can slightly combat with more time spent outside. Exposure to sunlight and nature positively impacts our mental health and aids in relieving stress, reducing anxiety, and providing a sense of mental clarity. Spending time outside also serves as a type of healthy sensory stimulus (unlike the constant stimuli we receive from our phones), with all your senses involved in observing everything surrounding you. Though these months require more time indoors and more effort into spending time outside, it is something that we should continue to do to continue prioritizing our wellness while also ensuring we don’t fall too far into the depths of SAD and begin to fall victim to doomerism and its way of thinking.