Photo Credit: RODS Sask
Saskatchewan is officially a winter wonderland! We went from a rainy fair-weathered fall to the cold of winter with mounds of snow overnight. And the snow hasn’t stopped falling.
My kids were ecstatic to see all of the white stuff and couldn’t wait to get their ski-pants and winter gear on. After the last blizzard settled down, they begged us to take them to the local sledding hill. My preference would have been to read a good book by the fire, but I dutifully pulled on my snow gear to take the kids sledding. Although the hill is close to our house, my husband suggested that we take the “shortcut” to get there. What an adventure! The snow was up over my knees in many places- up to the kid’s waists! Trudging, rather than walking, would be a more appropriate description of our journey. When we finally did reach the hill, our littlest did about 2 slides and was “too coldy” to handle anymore. She and I walked back the “long way” (which in these circumstances was by far shorter!). Once back home, I put on the kettle to make teas and hot chocolate, and revelled in my rosy cheeks and how invigorated my body felt. This was an experience that far outweighed a cozy blanket and good book, and will be one I attempt to duplicate in different ways over the coming weeks and months.
Photo Credit: City of Regina: https://www.regina.ca/about-regina/winter-city/winter-activities/
Playing outdoors in the cold weather is good for everyone, young and old. While some feel that the cold weather makes them sick, the opposite is actually true. Increased illness in the winter months is typically due to spending a lot of time indoors with poor ventilation and breathing recycled air. Getting outside and breathing in cold air causes a reflex reaction in our lungs and nasal passages which helps get rid of excess mucous and increases respiratory health. In Chinese Medicine, the lungs are closely linked to immunity, so by strengthening the lungs, you are strengthening your immunity!
Being active in the cold gives you a boost of dopamine, (the “feel good” hormone)! It’s called the “feel good” hormone because it boosts mood, can decrease depression, and encourages overall contentment or happiness. Dopamine also improves memory and focus and contributes to a better night’s sleep. Less well-known facts about dopamine are that in smaller doses (like that brought on by exercise in the outdoors), it reduces blood pressure, regulates insulin production, regulates immunity, contributes to a protective gut lining- which aids in smooth digestion, and more!
If you’re not already an outdoorsy winter person, here are a few tips on how to incorporate frequent bouts of outdoor play into your life:
-Bundle up and Dress Appropriately for the Weather. Wear layers. If you plan on working up a sweat, make sure your base layers are moisture wicking. As a Doctor of Chinese Medicine, I have to say it: Always, Always, Always cover your head, the back of your neck, your low back, and your ankles!
-Start small. Aim to spend 5-10 mins outside on a regular basis.
- Stand outside for a breath of fresh air on your break at work. If there’s sun, stand in the sunlight!
-Go for a brisk walk if its not to icy.
-Make a snow Angel.
- March in place, do some jumping jacks, high knees, lunges, etc.
-Try some yoga poses or slow stretches.
-Build a snowman or make a snow volcano.
-Turn a mug of boiling water into instant snowy mist.
-Go sledding or cross-country skiing.
-Grab a basket ball sized ball and play catch.
-Gradually increase your time outside to 20 mins or more. (Of course, being conscientious of just how cold it is. Don’t stay out so long when it’s -26 C or lower).
- Use your imagination. There are so many things to do outside.
Have fun and enjoy the feeling that Winter Outdoor Play brings!
*Please note: if you have a pre-existing health condition, such as a heart disease or diabetes, talk to your doctor about the effects on your body/condition of incorporating more cold outdoor time. It can take the body 2 weeks to acclimate to regular cold, so take it slow and easy.
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