If you want to kick off 2024 on a good note, consider making a nature-related New Year’s resolution.
While it can be challenging to find the motivation to get outdoors in chilly winter temperatures, we promise that the long-term perks are completely worth it.
So what are the benefits of being outdoors?
1. Nature Lowers Stress Levels
During the winter months, it can be easy to fall into routines that keep you indoors. Whether you’re commuting to work, working at home, or running errands, once the sun goes down, it can be hard to find reasons to get outside. This can create an environment of ongoing stress, where your only goal is to check off your to-do list.
Once you put down your technology devices, step outside, and breathe in the fresh air, you break the cycle. This will help you put things into perspective and lower stress levels, which gives your brain the mental timeout it needs.
2. Outdoor Exercise Provides an Immediate Mood Boost
Even if you’re taking a simple stroll through the neighborhood, exercise builds powerful endorphins that give you energy.
Take it from the experts. The World Health Organization recommends carving out time for 20 minutes of exercise per day, or 150 minutes per week. No matter the movement, it makes a meaningful difference. So try an outdoor stretching session, run, hike, or snowboard lesson - whatever works for you!
3. Nature Adventures Are Invigorating Challenges With Crossover Benefits
When you’re conquering complex climbing trails or figuring out the best way to ski down a mountain, that requires a ton of concentration, effort, and energy.
Outdoor activities end up being a great puzzle for your brain and body to solve together. This fuels a spark of creativity that you can bring back into your everyday life as you navigate challenges at work or while trying new activities.
4. Nature Time Presents Extra Opportunities for Peace
If you love looking at wildlife or plantlife, we hate to break it to you, but there’s only so much you can see while gazing outside of your window in your house.
When you spend more time in nature, you will have way more chances to see the sights, like new terrains or animals that thrive in winter climates. And with less traffic on the hiking trails, winter hikes provide optimal amounts of stillness and serenity.
5. Enjoy More Sun Time & Associated Health Benefits
By getting outdoors, even in the winter, you get more opportunities for sun exposure. And the sun is one of the best ways to be exposed to Vitamin D, which is proven to have multiple health benefits, like improving your mood and reducing the risk of diseases. Along with the aforementioned endorphin release, the additional sunlight can significantly help offset the winter blues, as well.
Of course, no matter the temperature, make sure to wear your sunscreen or UV-protective clothing to get the benefits of the sun, without the harmful downsides.
Speaking of, we’ll show you a few options below.
Outdoor Apparel with Sun Protection For Him & Her
Daybreak Eco Recycled Women’s Full Zip Hoodie
When you’re taking a nature hike, layering strategically is key for all-day comfort. That means selecting moisture-wicking layers with smooth materials, like this women’s hoodie. The incredibly lightweight eco-friendly fabric offers an exceptional four-way stretch and a cooling effect to wipe the sweat away. And for chilly outdoor days, the convenient, cozy thumbholes will keep your hands toasty.
Hoodie Features:
- 88% Recycled Polyester, 12% Spandex Interlock with matte appearance
- Material made from 14 recycled plastic bottles
- UPF 50+ UV Sun Protection
- Moisture-wicking
- Machine wash
Price: $75.00 - Ships free!
Shop the Daybreak Eco Recycled Women’s Full Zip Hoodie
Traverse Stretch Quarter Zip Men’s Pullover
Another adaptable layer? This men’s pullover. One of the most durable materials in our outdoor collection, we blended our strong 2-ply DryTec matte polyester with stretchy spandex for superior mobility. For versatility across any climate, this fits nicely under a vest, jacket, or polo, and comes in a few bright tones if you want to stand out. For night hikes or bike rides, the reflective tape trim on the zipper bottom will keep you visible for safety on the roads.
Pullover Features:
- 90% Polyester, 10% Spandex
- 50 UPF+ UV Sun Protection
- Matte fabric finish
- Reflective tape trim on zipper bottom
- Machine wash
Price: $100.00 - Ships free!
Shop the Traverse Stretch Quarter Zip Mens Pullover
Kick Off Your New Year’s 2024 Nature Resolutions
Now that you know the benefits of being in nature, start setting weekly goals to get outside. You can start small, whether it’s a short trip to your local park a few times a week, or one big hiking excursion. If you’re looking for some hiking tips to get started, read this hiking advice blog for advice. And for layering ideas, explore our outdoor apparel line.
Enjoy your nature time—and all the benefits that come with it!
