Connecting with Nature: The Importance of Outdoor Time in Fall

In the dwindling light after a long day, there is nothing cozier than coming home, putting on warm, comfortable (and often fuzzy!) clothing, and sitting down with a hot cup of tea and Netflix. Maybe you have a nice electric heating pad to warm up with or a soft, fluffy blanket. Maybe you’ve got a favorite chair or a nice, comfortable couch. You’ve created your own cozy corner, you make yourself a cup of tea or pick up a coffee on the way home, and you relax in comfort, shutting out the cold weather and the outside world.

This is never more true than after daylight savings time (raise your hand if you are not a fan of it being dark by 5:00!). The shortened days and cooler weather close people up in their homes because they’d much rather be cozy and warm. It’s cold, it’s dark, and we want nothing more than to go inside, sit down, and relax. 

But this routine day after day can feel a bit stale after a while. You realize that you’re not really paying attention to your show anymore; you’re doom scrolling on Instagram or playing a mindless mobile game. You don’t have the energy to do any home cooking, so you’ve racked up the credit card with DoorDash. You used to jump at the idea of plans, now you’d rather become a potato on the couch. You suddenly realize you’re tired, sluggish, and you don’t have the attention span to pay attention to anything meaningful.

There’s nothing inherently wrong with having a cozy night in after a long day at work. There’s nothing wrong with hot tea, soft blankets, or even the occasional DoorDash.

But when you lock yourself inside every day after work —no movement, no interaction, no time outside of your home in nature— you begin to cut yourself off and silently strip away the things that make us feel happy, healthy, and truly alive. Sadly, the effect that this takes on our physical and mental health can be devastating. Over time, the lack of movement, social connection, and time outside can lead to a sense of isolation, increased stress, and a decline in overall well-being. Our bodies and minds are designed to thrive on activity, fresh air, and human interaction, and without these, we risk becoming disconnected from the natural rhythms that keep us balanced. 

When we opt to sit on the couch or lay in bed instead of engaging in any physical activity like we used to do when the weather was warm, our bodies start to pay the price. Our muscles get weaker because we aren’t using them as often. Our posture starts to slump a little bit, putting strain on our neck and back muscles. And have you noticed how much your energy levels take a dive when you’re not as active? 

Being inside all day, every day, without going out to get fresh air and the precious little sunshine during this time of year also has a serious impact on our mental well-being. The lack of interaction with both people and nature can lead to feelings of loneliness and an increase in anxiety and depression. No man is an island - we thrive on connection and togetherness and we need that sensory input that nature brings us.

There’s a healing power in spending time outside of our home in nature. Studies show that time spent outside reduces our stress, increases happiness levels, and can even improve our cognitive function. Without this connection to nature, we experience a sense of emotional depletion and disconnection, from ourselves and from everyone around us. We need nature.

Of course, in the summer, we have the warmth of the sun, the birds chirping, and the grass underneath our feet. But being outside in the winter has the same benefits - reduced stress, increase of happiness levels, and an improvement of our cognitive function. We just need to embrace what winter has to offer us so that we don’t lose that connection to nature and that source of emotional and physical happiness.  

The simple act of stretching your legs outdoors, breathing in fresh air, or going for a walk can do wonders for your body. Breathing in the cold, crisp air as you walk can improve blood circulation, boost your energy, and keep your heart and muscles strong. Perhaps the sunshine isn’t warm, but it’s still there and its healing rays can still give us vitamin D and lift our spirits. The birds might not be chirping but there’s the crunch of fall leaves, the glitter of the snow in the sun, the stillness and peacefulness of the winter world, and the cold air can be refreshing.

Now, I’ll admit, I’m not a fan of being cold and would much rather have the warm summer sun on my skin than go out in the cold (especially if it’s windy!). But I know that, for my own health and happiness, I must brave the wind and cold and embrace nature in all its wintery glory. In time, I’ve even come to love the cool walks in the dwindling sunlight. 

Staying inside for long periods of time without venturing into nature, yes, even in the cold, can leave you feeling blue. There’s nothing wrong with creating a cozy, comfortable home, and safe space to rest your head at the end of a long day. There isn’t even anything wrong with a night in, cuddled up in a blanket, reading a book or watching a show.

But we need to balance this cozy comfort with the  invigoration that comes from stepping outside and connecting with nature, even when the weather is chilly. While it’s tempting to stay tucked away indoors where it’s warm and familiar, the simple act of getting outside—even for just a few minutes—can work wonders for our mental and physical well-being.

So brave the dark and cold, my friends! Take moonlit walks, bundled up, breathing in the cool air. Take your coffee or tea with you - there’s no law that says you can’t! Breathe deep the freshness of the air, take in the crunch of leaves, and stay connected with nature.