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Seasonal affective disorder (colloquially and appropriately referred to as “SAD”) describes the unhappy change in mood that many of us experience during the winter season. With shorter, darker days, colder weather, and several more weeks to endure until spring, it can be difficult to counteract this seasonal depression (even considering the relative lack of winter mosquito activity). But sometimes the remedy for the winter blues is some good green fun!
Green spaces, like parks, gardens, hiking trails, and especially your yard, are known to provide all kinds of underrated wellness boosts:
Spending time outside can reduce your stress and improve your overall mood.
Fresh air can boost your mental clarity and reduce stress.
Exposure to vitamin D from the sun can improve your calcium levels and lessen symptoms of depression.
Interactions with plants, nature, and green spaces can improve mental health, self esteem, and focus.
And light physical tasks, like gardening and yardwork, can help build strength (especially in your hands), improve satisfaction and mindfulness, and have therapeutic effects—plus, it’s fun!
But what do you do during the winter months, when your green space might not be looking quite so green? It turns out that spending time outside can still boost your mental health and reduce stress—even if the weather won't cooperate. It just takes a little more intentionality about prioritizing small opportunities for outdoor rest, activity, and mindfulness in the winter.
Here are 5 simple activities that can get you outside in the sun and fresh air, even during the colder months:
Go for a walk. Bundle up and take a brief stroll through your neighbourhood. The combination of movement, fresh air, and sun can do a lot to boost your mood, even if you only have a few minutes. Just stay safe and avoid icy conditions!
Embrace play! Build a snow man, make a snow angel, build a snow fort, or have a snowball fight. Whether you’re young or young at heart, outdoor play is good for the mind and body.
Do your outdoor chores. Pop outside to refill your bird feeders. Shovel your driveway. Not only are you checking things off your to-do list; you’re also going to feel better when you’re done!
Just stand there. Really! It’s that easy. Grab your mug of coffee or cocoa and your cozy blanket, and just stand outside in the sun for a few minutes a day. It might feel a little silly, but it’s the simplest way to reap the benefits of the great outdoors.
Sit near a window. Sometimes you just can’t go outside. Maybe it’s just too cold or maybe your schedule is too busy, but you can still enjoy the advantages of the winter sun. Keep the blinds open and let the light stream in. Even just enjoying the view from your window can brighten your mood.
The good news? Winter doesn’t last forever. As we count down to spring, make sure your yard—your very own green space—is mosquito-free and ready for fair-weather fun!
Find a Mosquito Hero near you and get a free quote to end the relationship with mosquitoes today!
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