Five reasons to get outside this winter

Getting outside can be a struggle at this time of year, with shorter days, rainy spells that seem to last a week and freezing temperatures. It’s no wonder that this can lead to feelings of low mood over the colder months.

The NHS says that around 2 million people in the UK are affected by the “winter blues”, and this can have a big impact on daily life. For people affected, it can cause problems with sleeping, eating, and feeling unsociable. To help keep the blues at bay, we’ve put together a list of the top five reasons to bundle up and enjoy some time at your local country park this winter.

For further wellbeing information and advice, take a look at Hampshire County Council’s five ways to wellbeing resources.

Find like-minded friends 

With lots of activities taking place in Hampshire’s country parks, it’s never been easier to find your tribe. Meet other anglers at Staunton Country Park, join a parkrun on a Saturday morning, or volunteer at one of Hampshire’s country parks.

There are plenty of opportunities to get stuck into fulfilling outdoor activities and meet other people who share your interests. Connecting with people is one of the five ways to wellbeing, recommended by organisations like Mind, so making these friends won’t only expand your support network; you’ll also feel more motivated to keep going with your chosen hobby.

Have something to look forward to 

When your mental wellbeing takes a dip, it can be difficult to motivate yourself or see a way out of your low mood. Having something to look forward to is a great way to help with this. Consistently setting aside time to get out into the countryside encourages you to add structure to your days and gives you a sense of control.

Events like parkrun are a fantastic option, as they take place at the same time each week and give you something regular to look forward to. Ticking this activity off every week also can boost your self-esteem by giving you a feeling of accomplishment.

Give your mood a boost 

Neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins, also known as “feel-good” hormones, are released when you get active. If a full workout routine feels too overwhelming, don't worry - you don't need to participate in intensive exercises like running or cycling for these chemical messengers to be released.

Gentle activities like walking, gardening and even a game of hide-and-seek will also do this. There are a whole host of other benefits of exercise on mental health, including improved sleep, resilience, concentration and self-esteem.

Switch off from everyday stress 

Spending time in nature can be a great way of tackling mental fatigue. Getting a change of scenery from home or the workplace can help remove you from the stresses of everyday life and let you take a bit of time for yourself. The quiet of the countryside can help de-stress and refocus the senses. Why not give our guided mindfulness podcast a go for some added relaxation?

Soak up some natural light 

Studies show that the amount of sunlight we get impacts the amount of serotonin we produce, so as days are shorter at this time of year, we can struggle with serotonin production. Some people turn to light therapy lamps to replicate the sun’s mood-boosting effects, but there are ways to do this for free.

Getting outside during daylight hours boosts serotonin production and can help with sleep, mood and productivity. If you find you don’t have the time before or after work, you could try squeezing in a walk on your lunch break to get out into the sunshine.

No matter how you’re feeling, there’s always a way to enjoy one of Hampshire’s beautiful country parks, even in cold weather. If you need some inspiration, check out five of our favourite wintry walks or read about some of our other top activities to help you get outside. Visit our website to find out more about what’s on at your local country park.

For further information about ways to look after your mental wellbeing visit Mental Wellbeing Hampshire. For crisis support, you can also contact the Samaritans for a listening ear.