Abby Frey
The winter season brings about a lot of change in nature. Many animals hibernate or migrate to warmer climates and many trees lose their leaves, giving the illusion that nature is sleeping during this time. It can be difficult to connect with nature while it is ‘sleeping,’ especially when winter temperatures are low and winter winds rage strong. Winter days are shorter with earlier sunsets between the evening hours of four or five. These factors contribute to the disconnect many people experience from nature during this time of year. This disconnect may contribute to the development of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which is a type of depression that is defined by seasonal patterns. People with SAD may experience feelings of hopelessness or emptiness, fatigue, physical aches, headaches, and more. Specifically during the winter seasons, people with SAD often mirror the ‘hibernation’ behaviors of many animals through oversleeping, overeating, and withdrawing from social activity. ‘Holiday blues’ are also common during the winter months and often result from anxiety related to family visits, changing school or work schedules, and other stresses specific to this time of the year.Â
Whether you are experiencing symptoms from seasonally-driven disorders like SAD, periods of stress-inducing ‘holiday blues,’ or a general lack of motivation, it is important to learn how you can foster a connection with nature during the winter months. Research has consistently demonstrated nature's ability to improve psychological well-being, so how can you enhance this connection during the winter season? Scientists at The University of Manchester recommend that just 10-15 minutes spent outside each day can reap health benefits, even in the winter. Many people enjoy going outside to enjoy the winter weather by skiing, ice skating, or building a snowman. If you are looking for less energy-demanding ways to connect with nature this winter, try putting a bird feeder outside a window and keeping notes on what birds visit. You can also try going on a short nature walk and looking for animal footprints in the snow, sand, or dirt. Connections to nature do not have to happen outside; there are other ways that can occur from the warmth of your home. There are many nature documentaries that show the wonders of nature, including some that focus on the winter season and winter wildlife. Click here to access a list of IMDb’s Best BBC Wildlife and Nature Documentaries that you can enjoy this winter. Many people already connect with nature during the holiday season by bringing a live tree, fresh garlands, or wreaths into their homes, which is a great way to bring the wonderful smells of nature into your home. There are many nature-related crafts that can foster your creativity and your connection to nature at the same time. Nature Crafts for Kids has inspiration on their website to encourage crafting with natural materials. This winter, feel empowered to explore new ways to connect with nature and encourage those around you to do the same – you just might love it!
Citations
Best BBC wildlife and nature documentaries. (n.d.). IMDb.Â
https://www.imdb.com/list/ls043984542/
Bratman, G. N., Hamilton, J. P., & Daily, G. C. (2012). The impacts of nature experience on human cognitive function and mental health. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1249(1), 118-136. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1749-6632.2011.06400.x
Burchell, K. (2019, July 25). Press release: Are you getting your 10-15 minutes of sunlight a day? Research Explorer The University of Manchester.Â
https://research.manchester.ac.uk/en/clippings/press-release-are-you-getting-your-10-15-minutes-of-sunlight-a-da
National Institute of Mental Health. (n.d.). Seasonal affective disorder. NIMH.Â
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/seasonal-affective-disorder
Nature craft – Nature crafts for kids. (n.d.). Nature Crafts for Kids.Â
https://naturecraftsforkids.com/category/nature-craft/