Phil predicts an early spring... So, here are 5 ways to enjoy nature!

On Sunday, February 2nd, Punxsutawney Phil did not see his shadow. According to tradition, this means that we should be expecting an early spring.

For those in the Philly area, you know that short of a few cold days and one snowfall, we’ve basically been experiencing spring since the winter solstice greeted us in December. In fact, as I write this on February 3rd, it is nearly 60 degrees outside!

Growing up in Central New York, where we would regularly get over 100 inches of snow per winter, the two inches of snow we’ve received in Conshohocken this year just isn’t enough to soothe my soul. So – I decided to do some research.

How often is Phil’s prediction actually correct? Turns out – not very often! According to the Stormfax Almanac who has been tracking Phil’s shadow and predictions since 1887; he has only been right 39% of the time. Likewise, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has also analyzed Phil’s predictions the past and found him to be right only 40% of the time.

So, other than being slightly topical, why am I sharing this?

Well – for those that know me well know that I am an outdoor enthusiast. Whether it’s sitting on my deck in the summer enjoying a cup of tea, walking my dog around the neighborhood, soaking in the rays with a good book on the beach, or being completely out of breath as I hike a mountain; I am at my best when I am outside. [Full disclosure: second best is curled up on my couch with a blanket and a box of cookies, because - - balance.]

Why else am I sharing this? Because whether Phil is right or wrong, we all tend to be hermits in the winter months. And many of my clients talk about feeling “trapped” by their jobs, by their homes, by their responsibilities. Many of these same clients discuss wanting to practice mindfulness but are not sure where to start.

For me, when it comes to practicing mindfulness and experiencing true freedom from everyday responsibilities, nature is a great place to start. I’m not even talking deep in the middle of the 100-mile wilderness where you’re forced to live off the grid. An intentional walk around the block, without music, without our phones, just breathing and reflecting is a great place to start.

But what is it about nature that is so powerful, and – on the off-chance Phil is wrong, what are some simple ways to get outside and enjoy nature this winter?

Let’s start with the benefits of nature.

Nature’s role in Health and Wellness

According to an article entitled “How does Nature Impact our Wellbeing” posted by the University of Minnesota, “Research reveals that environments can increase or reduce our stress, which in turn impacts our bodies.”

In another article, “How Nature Fosters Personal Growth and Development for Creative Types,” Elliott Caleira explains that Spending time outdoors is linked with increased serotonin production. This neurotransmitter, outside of its basic biological functions, is widely accepted to play a role in the brain's cultivation of well-being and happiness in the individual.

In fact, being in a soothing environment, like nature, can reverse the elevated levels of anxiety, sadness, blood pressure, heart rate, and muscle tension associated with a stressful situation. According to the UM article, “Because we are genetically programmed to find trees, plants, water, and other nature elements engrossing, we are absorbed by nature scenes and distracted from our pain and discomfort.”

Nature’s role in Mindset and Energy Leadership

When it comes to your mindset; being in nature allows you to be more present and connected to yourself and others. Especially when you give yourself permission to put your phone on airplane mode and keep it tucked away in your backpack.

The more you open yourself up to being present in the moment, and being present in nature, the easier it becomes to practice non-judgment and to stop evaluating your experiences as good or bad, but just enjoying the moment and breathing in the fresh clean air, and taking time to pause and reflect on the beautiful views.

As you give yourself permission to let go from expectations and be present in the moment, you start to transition from catabolic (draining) energy into anabolic (driving) energy. Anabolic energy is the energy that sparks joy, creativity, opportunity, flow, and greater satisfaction in life.

As your anabolic energy increases, it becomes easier for you to connect on a deeper level with nature, with others, and with yourself. For those that listened to episode 2 of my podcast, you know that true sense of connection is level 6, which is the level that allows us to tap into clear thinking, freely listen to our intuition, and access levels of creativity.

So, on the off-chance Phil is wrong. Here are Five Ways to Enjoy Nature this Winter

Bring Nature Inside
- While not as beneficial as going outside, there are ways to bring the benefits of nature inside. By simply opening up all your blinds and curtains; let that sunshine come in! Sit by a window, facing the direction of the sun if you can, and for a few minutes close your eyes and envision that you’re outside, in nature, and that there is nothing blocking you from that warm, luscious sunshine. Studies have also shown that bringing plants inside your house can improve your health and wellness; so if you insist on staying in hibernation until Memorial Day Weekend, please consider buying yourself some plants and bring nature inside.
- Investment: None to low. Opening your windows blinds is free, and you can find house plants for a reasonable price at a local farm or nursery.
Dress Properly
- I have a dog and a house without a yard, so unless I want him to go to the bathroom in the house, I have to take him for walk. Even when the temperatures dip into the single digits, I am layering up with multiple pairs of pants, a down jacket, a wool hat, lined winter gloves and getting outside 2-3 times per day. Even my dog wears a jacket. I look crazy, and the initial burst of air is shocking, but trust me when I tell you that once you get moving, you’ll warm up!
- Investment: Low - Moderate. Purchase proper hats, gloves, boots and a winter jacket. Wear layers, one against your skin and another to protect you from the wind. Also wear sunglasses or a scarf to protect your eyes and face on a windy day. Oh, and don’t worry about looking nice. Trust me when I tell you, anyone else who is outside will have their head buried in their jackets and won’t even notice how many pairs of pants you have on, or if you’re wearing a pink hat with a green scarf.
Join a women’s hiking or walking group
- Now that you have proper winter clothes, find a women’s walking or hiking group. Part of the benefits of nature are connecting and being present, these aren’t lost when you are doing this in with others; especially when you partner up with a group of empowering women. Plus, safety in numbers is a thing, so grab a friend or find a group and go for a hike.
- Investment: None to Low. Many meetups are free. Others have low membership costs that give you access to special membership benefits. My personal favorite is Women Who Hike; it is $16 to join for life and you have access to all their hikes across the country for free. You can find me at most of their local PA hikes.
Play tourist.
- Is there a local town or historic village that is within driving distance? Maybe even your own town? When is the last time that you slowed down and took a day to go exploring, play tourist, read signs, and walk from small-business to small-business? My personal favorite in the Philly area is New Hope, PA and Lambertsville, NJ; you can park in New Hope, go shopping, grab coffee, and then walk across the bridge into Lambertsville to shop a bit more and eat lunch.
- Investment: Low. Window shopping is free. You’re paying for gas and any food or coffee that you consume while you’re there. And don’t worry about being cold – you already bought the layers in step 2.
Take a trip.
- I’m not sure about you, but when I’m on vacation, the last thing I want to be doing is sitting on the couch in the hotel room. I have my own couch at home that I can sit on for free, so I find taking trips is the best way to get outside. When planning a vacation, I always try to make sure that my hotel or Airbnb is as close to town as possible so that I have the option to walk everywhere. In fact, as many of you read this, I will be on an airplane en route to Oregon where I can have direct access to skiing, hiking, and shopping at all fun places downtown!
- Investment: Moderate-High. Depending on where you’re going, this could get expensive. Which is all the more reason that you shouldn’t hang inside when you get there! Check out airlines like Southwest for last-minute deals, and Groupon usually has some great rates for hotels and excursions. You can also leverage friends and family members to save money.

Let’s inspire each other to get outside this winter!

What are some of your ways to get outside in the winter? Leave a comment below!

Also, if you ever need a walking or hiking buddy, drop me a note at jenn@conshycoaching.com; I’m always looking for ways to connect with others and with nature. Even if it’s to walk up to the local coffee shop, I’m game!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jenn is a Certified Mindset and Energy Leadership Coach who is passionate about helping women and small business owners beat the burnout by empowering them to step out of their comfort zone so that they can create a life and career that they love.

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