Winter has arrived, and with it comes the temptation to hibernate indoors and escape the cold. However, the winter months offer a unique opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors in a completely different way. Don’t let the cold weather keep you cooped up; instead, embrace the chill and get your body moving with these exciting outdoor winter activities.
1. Full Moon Sledding
Put a twist on regular sledding by going when there’s a full moon. The light from the moon reflects off of the snow and is very bright at night. It’s so bright at times it seems like it’s daylight outside. This is a fun one to do with a group of friends and keeps you moving by walking up the hill each time. It is a pretty chilly activity though, so make sure to dress super warm when going out.
2. Shoveling: But Make it Fun
Shoveling is a give in and something you have to do to maintain your porch and driveway. Most people dread shoveling and yeah sometimes you don’t want to do it, but you can make it fun. Put on your headphones and turn on your favorite playlist, there’s nothing like good jams to get you going. Dress warm, but also you’ll be working up a sweat moving all that snow and it will be a great workout. Give something to motivate you, for example get yourself a coffee or sweet treat after. By enjoying the beauty of the snow around you, shoveling doesn’t have to seem like a chore, change your mindset and make it fun. Bonus tip if you want to make some extra cash this winter go around your neighborhood and offer to shovel for your neighbors for a certain fee.
3. Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing is a great way to still explore some trails in the winter, without sinking far down in the snow every step you take. Not to mention that it is a phenomenal form of movement as you are using your whole body for this type of workout. You can rent a set if you want to try it out first or find snowshoes on amazon or at REI.
4. Snowboarding or Skiing
Snowboarding and skiing are challenging but super fun activities that you should try at least sometime in your life. As they can be expensive, it is worth it to try something new and get out on the snow. Don’t give up too soon when you start to learn because it’s going to be hard. Give a go multiple times and if it happens to be a powder day your legs will be burning for days. You can rent equipment to get started, but I’d recommend giving it a try.
5. Snow sculpting for funzies
Building a snowman in the winter is a classic! Try stepping it up a notch by building other things like forts, small jumps, and other characters. Get creative and try something new, carrying and crafting the snow is a great way to get your body moving and off of your phone inside.
6. Winter Running & Walking
If you love to go on hot girl walks or want to run, but think you can’t because of the snow, think again! It is very doable, but you just have to be more cautious so you don’t slip on ice or snow. I think if you want to go when it’s snowing, wear traction slip ons and dress warm because snow will most likely be pelting you in the face. Or on a sunny day you can go and stick to the sidewalks where there isn’t any snow. I think it’s harder to go on walks and runs during the winter because we convince ourselves that it’s too cold or it won’t be that great. When we embrace that it is winter and we can’t change the weather and appreciate its beauty it becomes more enjoyable.
The more you try to get your body moving this winter, the better you’ll feel overall and the more fun you can make out of winter. It’s all about having an open mindset and trying different things. Didn’t like one activity? That’s ok, try another. The more you do different things the more fun you have and gain more confidence to try other things.
