Brought to you in partnership with the Missouri Department of Conservation.
When the weather becomes colder, our instinct is often to turn indoors. The sun sets earlier, many trees lay dormant and we find ourselves feeling the negative physical and emotional impacts of being cooped up all season.
But there is a simple fix for the winter blues – reconnecting with nature.
Contact with nature is scientifically proven to reduce all of our stress responses, says MDC State Wildlife Veterinarian Dr. Sherri Russell. It can lessen symptoms of depression and anxiety and even help people sleep better.
Experiencing nature usually comes paired with physical exercise. Whether an angler pulls in a fish at an urban lake or a hiker walks a trail on one of MDC’s many conservation areas, outdoor recreation gets the body moving. Breathing in fresh air and feeling the sun on one’s face also feels expansive and rejuvenating.
The body and the mind are connected, and nature nurtures both. Spending time in nature can be a great replacement for hours in front of phone, tablet and television screens, no matter a person’s age. Exploring in nature is vital for childhood development, but it’s just as important for adults to slow down and stay curious about the world around us. We can be intentional about using all our senses to appreciate the surprisingly vibrant outdoor environment that thrives during winter.
Missouri boasts over one million acres of public land in just state parks and conservation areas. This doesn’t count city parks, backyards or the many other access points to nature across the state.
It may be easy to say that you’re too busy, but a nature connection doesn’t have to take the whole day. If an all-inclusive hunting or fishing trip is too big an ask, consider starting by walking at a nearby park during your lunch break, or bringing your coffee onto your porch to listen to the birds in the morning. Any connection to nature is a good thing.
It’s also important to remember that human, animal and environmental wellness are all part of one interconnected system. The health of one will impact the health of another. At MDC, we refer to that as One Health. The healthier and more biodiverse our surrounding environment becomes, the better our own health baseline will be as we interact with it.
“The health of people is connected to, even dependent on the health of animals and the environment,” said MDC State Wildlife Veterinarian Dr. Sherri Russell. “Therefore, it is vital to solve the interconnected challenges in all three of these areas.”
As you notice how much time you’ve spent on your couch this winter, or next time you feel sad or stressed, grab your coat to go see what the great outdoors in Missouri can offer! Your blankets and hot chocolate will still be waiting for you when you return, and your mind and body will thank you for the effort.
All images courtesy of Missouri Department of Conservation.
