Winter got you down? So here's the thing. When we get depression/the blues/S.A.D. - that feeling of heavy lethargy that makes you want to hibernate and never leave your bed again, there is one thing we can do that will improve our situation in all of these ways...
Lift your mood by boosting serotonin
Increases your Vitamin D
Boost dopamine
Improve your memory
Boosts your immune system
Don't hate me for telling you the answer is to GET OUTSIDE! Read all about in this simple but research based article here.
You're probably asking... how to get yourself to do this when it feels like the LAST thing you possibly want to do?
Here are 6 ways you can get yourself outside and beat the lethargy and desire to hibernate *side note: it's not actually helping you* :
Start a hiking group with friends - see if they'll meet with you to go hiking once a month or so.
Join an already established hiking group like this one on meetup.com
Make your social time outside time. Instead of going to the bar for a beer, see if a friend will meet up with you for a walk! Here's a list of "best trails in Baltimore" and one for Baltimore County.
Get an outdoor fire pit - they have them of all different price ranges at Home Depot recently, here's an example, then have friends over for a fire (get s'mores supplies if you have kids and everyone will be happy!)
Look up events at your local park - Holt Park, Cromwell Valley Park, Marshy Point Nature Center, and Oregon Ridge Nature Center to name my favorites, all have events regularly having to do with animals or some aspect of nature. Maybe you'll find something that peeks your interest.
If you want to listen to something that's sure to get you at least 20% more interested in birds, listen to this This American Life episode. Maybe that peaked interest will motivate you to get outside!
There will also be some upcoming opportunities with Upward Spiral Wellness to join a winter mindfulness & nature therapy hike, so keep your eye out and/or check the events page for details!
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