As temperatures dance around the bottom of our thermometers this winter, you may want nothing more than to crawl inside under a blanket and forget about going outdoors. You may want to wait until the crocuses pop up once more in springtime before venturing out.  No one can blame you for this, but try to think things over again.  Enjoying the great outdoors, even in your back yard, offer opportunities to enjoy a healthier winter this year.

First, consider air quality.  We spoke with Dr. Jennifer DenBlyker of Fluid Chiropractic who said that breathing in outdoor air is better for you than working with the recycled air of homes and offices.

“It may be uncomfortable to breathe cold air,” said Dr. Jen. “This is because air needs to be filtered and warm.  Try to breathe in through your nose at all times, as this will heat the air properly for your lungs.”  She also recommended pulling a scarf around your face and nose in the coldest weather. “That way you have another layer of heat and protection for your lungs.”

And according to an article from Women’s Day Magazine, being closed inside nearer to people may be the true culprit to winter colds. “Colds are caused by viruses or bacteria which are more often spread in the winter because of close contact from everyone being indoors,” said Dr. D.J. Verret, an otolaryngologist from Dallas, Texas.

Dr. Jennifer continued. “Some people suffer from cold-induced asthma. But wearing scarves and breathing through your nose will help a lot. Just be sure to keep the scarf over your nose when you’re outside.”

She also said many people avoid walking out in the cold because of a fear of falling. “I use and recommend something called Ice trekkers to walk in snow and ice.”

These clips for boots act like chains on snow tires and give extra traction while you walk.  You can buy ice trekkers at several sporting goods stores for less than $50, and they will help keep you from falling for years.

Then Dr. Jen explained that the human body is designed to walk, and that this is one of the best things you can do in the way of winter exercise for yourself.

“Walking encourages the cross-pattern-crawl functions of neural health,” said Dr. Jen.  “Our brains learn to coordinate both hemispheres and our nervous system, as we put a left leg – right arm movement into motion. Then we do the opposite, and more neural patterns are established.”

This contra-lateral pattern of movement helps build a bridge between our right and left hemispheres, and stimulates growth in our nervous systems, spinal muscles, and coordination.  In short, they keep us growing intellectually and ensure better overall health.

And don’t forget that walking in snow provides great resistance,” said Dr. Jen. “This walking movement is more normal for human beings than you get on a tread mill or other exercise machine.”

And one last benefit of being outdoors in the winter?

Dr. Jen suggests that by being outside you reduce the use of gadgets so prevalent in our lives–the computers, telephones, and other things that cause stress.

“If you did family bonding activities like roasting marshmallows around a fire pit, or play charades, your stress levels will be reduced.”

So what are you waiting for? Isn’t it time to head out for a brisk walk and come home to a fun game of making snow angels? Your body will thank you for it.

(Photo by Bent Inge Ask)