Isn’t there just something so special about getting outdoors? The fresh air, live plants, and just getting away from the business (and stress) of daily life. The benefits of green spaces can’t be denied. But as the temperatures plunge in colder climates, it’s often not as easy to get your nature fix. That said, the mental and physical health benefits of spending time in nature make it worth it. You might just need to get a little more creative to enjoy outdoor spaces year-round.

The Benefits of Green Spaces

Spending time in nature isn’t just something nice to do. It’s essential for the mind and body. Here are just some of the many benefits of green spaces:

• Stress reduction: Spending time in nature has been found in research to lower cortisol levels, indicating a decrease in stress and anxiety.
• Mood enhancement: Natural surroundings have also been shown to elevate serotonin Thus, they may help improve mood and may even help combat seasonal affective disorder (SAD) to promote health and well-being.
• Increased focus and creativity: Spending time in nature has been linked to sharper brain function, including boosts in focus and creativity.
• Improved physical health: Getting outdoors for a walk or hike strengthens your cardiovascular system, reducing the risks of chronic diseases (such as heart disease). It can also help keep weight in check.
• Better immune function: With colder months come cold and flu season (yuck!). Fortunately, getting fresh air and exposing yourself to plants may help support a healthy immune system.
• Social interaction: When you’re not stuck alone at home indoors, you have greater opportunities to socialize, which also contributes to emotional well-being.
• Improved sleep: One of the biggest benefits of getting outdoors and into natural light during the day is that it helps regulate your circadian rhythm. That usually translates to better sleep at night.
• Mindfulness and relaxation: Nature offers an escape from daily worries by encouraging mindfulness and reducing rumination. It also promotes relaxation by helping you feel more connected to the present moment.

Creative Ways to Enjoy Nature, Even When the Temps Drop

Now that you know some of the many benefits of green spaces and spending time in nature, you’re hopefully eager to get outdoors. But baby, when it’s cold outside, it feels a little less inviting. Fortunately, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy nature in the fall and deep into winter.

The first step is to dress for the season. Layer up with the right clothing. Start with a base layer of merino wool. Then add a cozy flannel or sweater and top it off with a waterproof jacket that’s suited for the weather. Don’t forget good shoes or boots to prevent slipping. With the right clothing, you can stay warm and comfortable as you embrace the crisp air.

When the winter weather strikes, it’s time to take advantage of winter adventures, such as skiing, snowshoeing, or winter hikes. The quiet, frost-covered landscapes offer unique beauty and tranquility.

If braving the cold isn’t your idea of a fun way to spend an afternoon (or even just 20 minutes), why not plan a getaway to somewhere warmer? A winter vacation to a sunny destination allows you to enjoy the benefits of green spaces without the intense chill.

For example, the lush islands of Hawaii provide year-round greenery, tropical gardens, and scenic hikes through rainforests and volcanic landscapes. But there are plenty of other destinations that might be a bit closer. Consider Sedona, Arizona. It offers a temperate winter climate and breathtaking red rock landscapes that are perfect for hiking or stargazing. Florida’s Everglades are another warm-weather ecosystem. Another stunning desert landscape is Joshua Tree National Park, California. Mild temperatures inspire longer hikes throughout the cooler months.

If you don’t have time for a vacation or just want to stick closer to home, there are still plenty of options to enjoy nature indoors when it’s freezing outside. For example, many botanical gardens offer indoor spaces with tropical plants and lush greenery, giving you the opportunity to immerse yourself in nature without getting stuck out in the cold. Some notable gardens to visit in winter include:

• Longwood Gardens, Kenneth Square, PA
• Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Pittsburg, PA
• The Conservatory at the U.S. Botanic Garden in Washington, D.C.
• Garfield Park Conservatory, Chicago, IL
• Franklin Park Conservatory, Columbus, OH
• Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, Bronx, NY
• Marjorie McNeely Conservatory, Saint Paul, MN
• Isabella Steward Gardner Museum, Boston, MA
• Boettcher Memorial Tropical Conservatory, Denver Botanic Gardens, Denver, CO
• Shane Smith Grand Conservatory, Cheyenne, WY

If none of these are a reasonable distance from you, search your area to find a public conservatory, greenhouse, or community green space to find a warm, humid place to escape and rejuvenate your senses with a much-needed nature fix that is accessible year-round.

Another fun option is your local nursery or plant store. Even a small plant store can provide a calming immersion into nature. Walking among the rows of plants, breathing the fresh air, and absorbing the peaceful atmosphere can lift your mood and help reduce stress.

Bring the Outdoors into Your Own Space

Can’t get outside or to a nearby indoor greenhouse? No worries. You can bring the benefits of nature into your own home with houseplants. Adding houseplants to any living space is a simple and accessible way to boost your mood and your health. If you’re not yet a plant parent, start with low-maintenance plants, such as succulents, ferns, or snake plants, and create your own indoor garden.

Finally, you can position a comfy chair near a window that overlooks some natural scenery. If the view from your home isn’t that inspiring, nature-inspired art and decorations can bring a sense of the outdoors in. Even small touches of greenery can have a powerful impact on your mental and physical health.

Embrace Nature and the Benefits of Green Spaces Year-Round

As the cold weather creeps in, there’s no need to hole up until it gets warm again. Green spaces provide powerful benefits no matter the season. Whether you choose to bundle up for a winter hike or snowshoe, vacation in a warmer region, take time to stroll through indoor botanical gardens, greenhouses, or plant stores, or set up an indoor garden at home, connecting with nature provides powerful mental and physical benefits.