{"id":10400,"date":"2024-12-03T15:00:19","date_gmt":"2024-12-03T15:00:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/guides\/\/"},"modified":"2025-04-16T12:55:21","modified_gmt":"2025-04-16T12:55:21","slug":"health-benefits-of-getting-outside-in-winter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/guides\/health-benefits-of-getting-outside-in-winter\/","title":{"rendered":"The Proven Health Benefits of Getting Outside in Winter"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\t\t<header id=\"block_379790fc2030a66bbb9f58b40b2b63ad\" class=\"SingleHero skip-lazy default\">\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"container\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"SingleHero__categories\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/activities\/wellbeing\/\" class=\"category\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWellbeing\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/tag\/unprocessed-exercise\/\" class=\"category\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tUnprocessed Exercise\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h1 class=\"SingleHero__title\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\tThe Proven Health Benefits of Getting Outside in Winter\t\t\t\t\t<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row justify-content-center align-items-center SingleHero__author\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto avatar\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\" src=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/profile-pic-150x150.jpg\" class=\"avatar wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto name\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBy Hilary Pullen\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<p class=\"SingleHero__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tPublished on \t\t\t\t\t\t<time datetime=\"2024-12-03T15:00:19+00:00\" itemprop=\"datePublished\">December 3, 2024<\/time>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"dot\"><\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t6 min read\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"SingleHero__thumbnail\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/mental_health_winter_vitd.jpg\" class=\"attachment-hd size-hd wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/mental_health_winter_vitd.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/mental_health_winter_vitd-300x180.jpg 300w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/mental_health_winter_vitd-768x461.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/header>\n\n\t\n\n\n\t\t<article id=\"block_0f7bb3f31f3abc4765961f280d9f5c82\" class=\"Universal Universal--post c-small default pt-default pb-default mt-none mb-none    \" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"container\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"InnerBlocks\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"lead\"><\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"whygettingoutsideissoimportantinwinter\">Why Getting Outside is So Important for your Mental and Physical Wellbeing in Winter<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>As winter settles in, many of us retreat indoors, leading to feelings of isolation and lethargy. However, getting outside during these colder months is crucial for both our mental and physical health. In this blog post, we\u2019ll explore the benefits of outdoor activity in winter, supported by studies from the UK, and highlight what aspects of being outdoors have the most significant impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"750\" src=\"https:\/\/getoutside39507958bf.blob.core.windows.net\/blobgetoutside39507958bf\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/this-is-our-gym-phase-2-creative-23-edited.jpg\" alt=\"A couple sat outside on a bench\" class=\"wp-image-10697\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/this-is-our-gym-phase-2-creative-23-edited.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/this-is-our-gym-phase-2-creative-23-edited-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/this-is-our-gym-phase-2-creative-23-edited-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"thementalhealthbenefitsofgettingoutside\">The Mental &amp; Physical Health Benefits of Getting Outside into Nature during the Cold Winter Months<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-nature-is-a-proven-stress-buster\">Nature is a proven stress buster!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Getting outside everyday, for even just a small amount of time can help to reduce cortisol, the stress hormone and boost serotonin and dopamine, the feel good hormones. We can actually get addicted to the dopamine hit of getting outside and into nature. We just have to battle the internal monologue telling us to stay wrapped up on the sofa in front of our TV&#8217;s. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Have you ever heard the term cabin fever? It&#8217;s something that we can genuinely get if we don&#8217;t get outside enough. It can happen all too easily in the depths of winter if we don&#8217;t make a concerted effort to get out into nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t\t<section id=\"block_cde8ce221fa09ad01a1fd8076b2736b0\" class=\"Inner InnerGoodToKnow\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"container\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row align-items-center jusitfy-content-start\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"InnerGoodToKnow__icon \">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"32\" height=\"32\" viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n<g id=\"info-circle\">\n<path d=\"M15.9994 21.3333V16M15.9994 10.6666H16.0127M29.3327 16C29.3327 23.3638 23.3631 29.3333 15.9994 29.3333C8.63555 29.3333 2.66602 23.3638 2.66602 16C2.66602 8.63616 8.63555 2.66663 15.9994 2.66663C23.3631 2.66663 29.3327 8.63616 29.3327 16Z\" stroke=\"white\" stroke-width=\"2.664\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\n<\/g>\n<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"InnerGoodToKnow__heading\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tIt&#8217;s A Scientific FACT &#8211; Getting Outside Makes You Feel Better!\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"InnerGoodToKnow__text\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Spending time just being in nature has been shown in scientific studies to reduce anxiety and improve overall mood. A study from the<a href=\"https:\/\/www.york.ac.uk\/news-and-events\/news\/2021\/research\/nature-can-improve-mood-and-reduce-anxiety\/\"> University of York<\/a> found that outdoor, nature-based activities led to improved mood and reduced anxiety, especially when done in groups. Participants reported an average improvement in mental well-being of <strong>12.7%<\/strong>, with feelings of burnout dropping by <strong>16%<\/strong> among those who initially felt worse.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\n\t\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"socialinteraction\">Joining a group can help motivate you to get outside<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"750\" src=\"https:\/\/getoutside39507958bf.blob.core.windows.net\/blobgetoutside39507958bf\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/this-is-our-gym-20241113_141438737_ios-edited.jpg\" alt=\"A group of runners taking a selfie\" class=\"wp-image-10698\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/this-is-our-gym-20241113_141438737_ios-edited.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/this-is-our-gym-20241113_141438737_ios-edited-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/this-is-our-gym-20241113_141438737_ios-edited-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Outdoor activities often involve socialising, whether it\u2019s a walk with friends or a community event in a park. Engaging with others in a natural setting can enhance our mood and reduce feelings of loneliness. Socialising outdoors can lead to improved mental well-being, making it a vital aspect of winter health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you don&#8217;t have a ready made set of friends or family ready to join you on a hike or trying out a new sport then look online at local clubs and groups. There are so many organisations out there built around helping people get outside and get healthy.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n\t\t<section id=\"block_8ea09f6c84c91f9a0e672a1299f870cb\" class=\"Inner InnerButtons\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"container\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row justify-content-center justify-content-md-center\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"InnerButtons__button\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/guides\/benefits-of-joining-a-group\/\" class=\"Button Button--orange \" target=\"_self\" >\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"Button__text\">\n\t\t\t\t\tThe Benefits of Joining a Group\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"Button__arrow\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n<g>\n<path d=\"M5 12H19M19 12L12 5M19 12L12 19\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\n<\/g>\n<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\n\t\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"exerciseandphysicalactivity\">Getting outside can help combat depression<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Regular physical activity is essential for maintaining good health, and outdoor exercise can be particularly invigorating. A large-scale study using data from the <a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC8892387\/#:~:text=Each%20additional%20hour%20spent%20outdoors,and%20lower%20neuroticism%20(incident%20rate\">UK Biobank<\/a> found that spending time outdoors is linked to better mood, improved sleep, and a lower lifetime risk of depression. Participants reported spending an average of <strong>2.5 hours<\/strong> outdoors daily, with every additional hour of natural light associated with lower odds of depression and less use of antidepressant medications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"750\" src=\"https:\/\/getoutside39507958bf.blob.core.windows.net\/blobgetoutside39507958bf\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/this-is-our-gym-phase-2-creative-3_glovesv2-edited.jpg\" alt=\"A lady drinking coffee in winter outdoors\n\" class=\"wp-image-10705\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/this-is-our-gym-phase-2-creative-3_glovesv2-edited.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/this-is-our-gym-phase-2-creative-3_glovesv2-edited-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/this-is-our-gym-phase-2-creative-3_glovesv2-edited-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"combattingseasonalaffectivedisordersad\">Combatting Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) affects many individuals during winter, characterised by feelings of depression linked to reduced sunlight exposure. Increased sunlight exposure can significantly alleviate symptoms of SAD, particularly through the production of Vitamin D.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have the time then make sure you are mixing in time exercising outside along with your time at the gym or exercising at home. Make the most of the small amount of winter daylight we have at this time of year.<br><br>Depression is a serious medical condition, if you are worried about your mental health or that of a loved one please seek medical advice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"750\" src=\"https:\/\/getoutside39507958bf.blob.core.windows.net\/blobgetoutside39507958bf\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/this-is-our-gym-phase-2-creative-20-edited.jpg\" alt=\"sharing a coffee outside\" class=\"wp-image-10707\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/this-is-our-gym-phase-2-creative-20-edited.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/this-is-our-gym-phase-2-creative-20-edited-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/this-is-our-gym-phase-2-creative-20-edited-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"immunesystemboost\">Give your immune system a boost this winter<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Getting outside can also strengthen your immune system, which is especially important during winter when colds and flu are more prevalent. Research indicates that exposure to outdoor environments can lead to better health outcomes, as fresh air and physical activity contribute to a more robust immune response. <br><br>Be sure to tell your manager you need to leave your desk and get some fresh air &#8211; it&#8217;s great for productivity!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t\t<section id=\"block_432912d4f0daf29b793ccbe99277efb3\" class=\"Inner InnerButtons\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"container\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row justify-content-center justify-content-md-center\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"InnerButtons__button\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/guides\/winter-exercising-tips\/\" class=\"Button Button--orange \" target=\"_self\" >\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"Button__text\">\n\t\t\t\t\tNo Excuses: Read Our Practical TIPS for Exercising in Winter\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"Button__arrow\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n<g>\n<path d=\"M5 12H19M19 12L12 5M19 12L12 19\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\n<\/g>\n<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\n\t\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"keyaspectsofgettingoutside\">How Often Do I Need to Get Outside in Winter To Feel the Health Benefits?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A good target, as previously mentioned, is to spend at least <strong>two hours a week<\/strong> in nature. This guideline, supported by various studies linked below, suggests that regular exposure to outdoor environments can significantly enhance both mental and physical health. Two hours could be broken down into 6 x 20 minute walks, even this little amount of outdoor exposure to nature (green spaces!) will start to help improve your mental and physical wellbeing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Put time aside in your diary for getting outside as often as practical and consider it just as important to your health as eating a healthy diet or cleaning your teeth every day. Creating a routine is one of the best ways to overcome the lack of motivation many of use experience at this time of year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"259\" src=\"https:\/\/getoutside39507958bf.blob.core.windows.net\/blobgetoutside39507958bf\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/manage-your-mental-health-this-winter-1024x259.jpg\" alt=\"manage-your-mental-health-this-winter\" class=\"wp-image-718\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/manage-your-mental-health-this-winter-1024x259.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/manage-your-mental-health-this-winter-300x76.jpg 300w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/manage-your-mental-health-this-winter-768x194.jpg 768w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/manage-your-mental-health-this-winter-1536x388.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/manage-your-mental-health-this-winter-1376x348.jpg 1376w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/manage-your-mental-health-this-winter.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"typesofactivities\">What Types of Activities Are Best for Winter Fitness?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Engaging in various outdoor activities, such as <a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/activities\/walking\/\">walking<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/activities\/hiking\/\">hiking<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/activities\/cycling\/\">cycling<\/a> or something more adventurous like <a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/activities\/water-sports\/\">wild swimming or paddleboarding<\/a>, can provide unique benefits. Each activity stimulates different senses, uses different muscles and promotes physical fitness, making it essential to find what you enjoy most and add in variety to keep your adventures outside interesting. You can find lots of great beginner guides on Get Outside to get inspired and learn the basics. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\t\t<section id=\"block_1d4ffa1ffb24e9cf482363d6b05b0cc0\" class=\"GuidesArticles  default pt-default pb-default mt-none mb-none    \" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"container\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"GuidesArticlesBox\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ThumbGuides\">\n\n\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ThumbGuidesBox\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/guides\/a-beginners-guide-to-mountain-biking\/\" class=\"ThumbGuidesBox__link\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>Read more<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"image-box\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1376\" height=\"473\" src=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/cycling-pov.6534f459be8de3ec73b0948ac737e8ad-1376x473.jpg\" class=\"image-box__img\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/cycling-pov.6534f459be8de3ec73b0948ac737e8ad-1376x473.jpg 1376w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/cycling-pov.6534f459be8de3ec73b0948ac737e8ad-300x103.jpg 300w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/cycling-pov.6534f459be8de3ec73b0948ac737e8ad-1024x352.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/cycling-pov.6534f459be8de3ec73b0948ac737e8ad-768x264.jpg 768w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/cycling-pov.6534f459be8de3ec73b0948ac737e8ad-1536x528.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/cycling-pov.6534f459be8de3ec73b0948ac737e8ad.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1376px) 100vw, 1376px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"ThumbGuides__tags\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/activities\/cycling\/\" class=\"tag\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCycling\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/activities\/beginners-guides\/\" class=\"tag\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBeginner&#8217;s guides\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/activities\/off-road-cycling\/\" class=\"tag\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tOff-road cycling\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"ThumbGuides__title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tA beginner&#8217;s guide to mountain biking\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row ThumbGuides__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto meta-date\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAugust 8, 2015\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto meta-dot\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"2\" height=\"2\" viewBox=\"0 0 2 2\" fill=\"none\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<circle cx=\"1.00049\" cy=\"1\" r=\"1\" fill=\"#A9A29D\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto meta-read\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t6 min read\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"ThumbGuides__desc\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGet outside and have some muddy fun with this beginner&#8217;s guide to Mountain Biking.\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ThumbGuides\">\n\n\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ThumbGuidesBox\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/guides\/hiking-for-beginners-a-complete-guide\/\" class=\"ThumbGuidesBox__link\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>Read more<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"image-box\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1376\" height=\"540\" src=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/hiking-for-beginners-lisa-wells.jpg\" class=\"image-box__img\" alt=\"hiking for beginners - lisa wells\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/hiking-for-beginners-lisa-wells.jpg 1376w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/hiking-for-beginners-lisa-wells-300x118.jpg 300w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/hiking-for-beginners-lisa-wells-1024x402.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/hiking-for-beginners-lisa-wells-768x301.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1376px) 100vw, 1376px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"ThumbGuides__tags\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/activities\/uk-hiking\/\" class=\"tag\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHiking\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/activities\/beginners-guides\/\" class=\"tag\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBeginner&#8217;s guides\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/tag\/uk-hiking-routes-for-beginners\/\" class=\"tag\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tUK Hiking Routes for Beginners\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"ThumbGuides__title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tHiking for Beginners &#8211; A Complete Guide\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row ThumbGuides__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto meta-date\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tJune 18, 2024\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto meta-dot\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"2\" height=\"2\" viewBox=\"0 0 2 2\" fill=\"none\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<circle cx=\"1.00049\" cy=\"1\" r=\"1\" fill=\"#A9A29D\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto meta-read\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t13 min read\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"ThumbGuides__desc\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHiking for beginners, a complete guide to hiking safety, hiking fitness and the best UK Routes for beginners\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ThumbGuides\">\n\n\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ThumbGuidesBox\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/guides\/beginners-guide-to-running\/\" class=\"ThumbGuidesBox__link\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>Read more<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"image-box\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1376\" height=\"540\" src=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/running-for-beginners.jpg\" class=\"image-box__img\" alt=\"Running For Beginners Plus size lady running\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/running-for-beginners.jpg 1376w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/running-for-beginners-300x118.jpg 300w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/running-for-beginners-1024x402.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/running-for-beginners-768x301.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1376px) 100vw, 1376px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"ThumbGuides__tags\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/activities\/running\/\" class=\"tag\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tRunning\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/activities\/beginners-guides\/\" class=\"tag\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBeginner&#8217;s guides\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"ThumbGuides__title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tA beginner&#8217;s guide to running\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row ThumbGuides__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto meta-date\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMarch 1, 2021\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto meta-dot\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"2\" height=\"2\" viewBox=\"0 0 2 2\" fill=\"none\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<circle cx=\"1.00049\" cy=\"1\" r=\"1\" fill=\"#A9A29D\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto meta-read\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t6 min read\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"ThumbGuides__desc\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWhether it\u2019s around the block, to the shop, or a full scale marathon, there is no doubt that running is good for you. This beginner\u2019s guide to running will help you get started.\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\n\t\n\n\n<p>Don&#8217;t feel you have to devote hours of time learning a new hobby and loads of money buying new kit, keep it simple and sustainable with some pre-planned local walks. The OS Maps App is a great place to start as there are 1000&#8217;s of routes all across the UK created by walkers, hikers, runners and cyclists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"environmentalfactors\">Do different natural environments offer more health benefits?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Different environments can have varying impacts on well-being. For instance, green spaces (parks, forests) and blue spaces (lakes, rivers) both offer unique benefits. Research shows that being near water can enhance feelings of calm and relaxation, making winter walks by the coast or river particularly refreshing. Forest bathing (a fancy term for stopping and staring while on a woodland walk) is also proven to help reduce anxiety. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"819\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/getoutside39507958bf.blob.core.windows.net\/blobgetoutside39507958bf\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/this-is-our-gym-phase-2-creative-11-819x1024.jpg\" alt=\"staring up at the canopy forest bathing\" class=\"wp-image-10688\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/this-is-our-gym-phase-2-creative-11-819x1024.jpg 819w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/this-is-our-gym-phase-2-creative-11-240x300.jpg 240w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/this-is-our-gym-phase-2-creative-11-768x960.jpg 768w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/this-is-our-gym-phase-2-creative-11-864x1080.jpg 864w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/this-is-our-gym-phase-2-creative-11.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-does-listening-to-the-sounds-of-nature-also-have-health-benefits\">Does listening to the sounds of nature also have health benefits?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes! Natural sounds and recordings of natural sounds, such as flowing water and birds chirping, can significantly reduce stress levels. Natural sounds help lower cortisol, the stress hormone, and promote relaxation. Listening to the sounds of nature can improve your mood, boost your ability to think clearly, help you sleep and some studies even suggest it can help reduce the perception of pain. <br><br>If you absolutely can&#8217;t get outside then try downloading some sounds of nature recordings to listen to while you relax or work out at home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"practicaltipsforgettingoutsideinwinter\">Practical Tips for Getting Outside in Winter<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"750\" src=\"https:\/\/getoutside39507958bf.blob.core.windows.net\/blobgetoutside39507958bf\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/this-is-our-gym-20241105_134240113_ios-edited.jpg\" alt=\"friends taking a selfie outside on a cold day\n\" class=\"wp-image-10699\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/this-is-our-gym-20241105_134240113_ios-edited.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/this-is-our-gym-20241105_134240113_ios-edited-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/this-is-our-gym-20241105_134240113_ios-edited-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Dress Appropriately<\/strong>: Layering is key to staying warm and comfortable. Borrow or invest in good winter gear, keep it simple and sustainable if you are buying new. Read our <a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/guides\/layering-gear-guide\/\">guide to layering<\/a> for some practical tips.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Find Local Nature Spots<\/strong>: Explore local parks, nature reserves, or walking trails. Many communities have hidden gems waiting to be discovered. You can use our <a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/osmaps\/\">OS Maps app<\/a> to find some fantastic routes in your local area, we have 1000&#8217;s all over the UK.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Incorporate Outdoor Time into Daily Routines<\/strong>: Even short outdoor breaks during the day can make a difference. Have a look through your own weekly calendar and see where there are little pockets of free time you could work in a walk in the fresh air. Block them out in your diary and commit to them.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\t\t<section id=\"block_6b55c07a1b62fc192433194f9168579b\" class=\"BigCommerce BigCommerce--no-products default pt-default pb-default mt-none mb-none      \"  data-color-scheme=\"default\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"container\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\n\t<div class=\"BigCommerceBanner\">\n\n\n\t<div class=\"BigCommerceBanner__content\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"BigCommerceBanner__product\">\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"393\" height=\"475\" src=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/untitled-design-1.png\" class=\"BigCommerceBanner__product-img\" alt=\"OS Guidebooks and Maps\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/untitled-design-1.png 393w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/untitled-design-1-248x300.png 248w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 393px) 100vw, 393px\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"BigCommerceBanner__subheading\">\n\t\t\t\tEXPLORE THE\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"BigCommerceBanner__heading\">\n\t\t\t\tOS Shop\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"BigCommerceBanner__description\">\n\t\t\t\tWe are with you every step of the way.\u00a0Shop our trusted walking and hiking maps and guidebooks\u2028so you can explore the outdoors with confidence.\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/shop.osmaps.com\/\" class=\"Button Button--orange \" target=\"_blank\" >\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"Button__text\">\n\t\t\t\t\tGo to the shop\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"BigCommerceProductsBox\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"swiper BigCommerceProductsSwiper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"swiper-wrapper Products\" data-products=\"4150,4066\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row justify-content-center BigCommerce__button\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/shop.osmaps.com\/\" class=\"Button Button--orange \" target=\"_blank\" >\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"Button__text\">\n\t\t\t\t\tGo to the shop\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\n\n\n<p>Getting outside during winter is essential for maintaining our mental and physical health. By making a conscious effort to spend time outdoors in nature, we can combat the winter blues and enhance our overall well-being. So, bundle up, step outside, and embrace the beauty of winter\u2014your mind and body will thank you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t\t<section id=\"block_36b0b1cee446f4d5e708286f57e9fdf3\" class=\"Inner InnerButtons\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"container\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row justify-content-center justify-content-md-center\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"InnerButtons__button\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/our-gym\/\" class=\"Button Button--orange \" target=\"_self\" >\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"Button__text\">\n\t\t\t\t\tFind Out More About Our Gym\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"Button__arrow\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n<g>\n<path d=\"M5 12H19M19 12L12 5M19 12L12 19\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\n<\/g>\n<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\n\t\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"references\">References &amp; Further Reading<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>www.mentalhealth.org.uk &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mentalhealth.org.uk\/our-work\/research\/nature-how-connecting-nature-benefits-our-mental-health\">Nature: How connecting with nature benefits our mental health<\/a><br>www.nhsforest.org &#8211;  <a href=\"https:\/\/nhsforest.org\/blog\/happy-to-be-outside-mental-health-and-nature\/\">Happy to be outside: mental health and nature <\/a><br>www.naturalengland.blog.gov.uk &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/naturalengland.blog.gov.uk\/2019\/07\/12\/two-hours-a-day-outside-is-vital-for-health-and-wellbeing\/\">Two hours a week outside is important for health and wellbeing<\/a><br>www.york.ac.uk &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.york.ac.uk\/news-and-events\/news\/2021\/research\/nature-can-improve-mood-and-reduce-anxiety\/\">Nature-based activities can improve mood and reduce anxiety<\/a><br>www.britishscienceassociation.org &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.britishscienceassociation.org\/news\/new-research-reveals-wellbeing-benefits-of-connecting-with-nature?gad_source=1\">New research reveals wellbeing benefits of connecting with nature<\/a><br>www.sciencealert.com &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencealert.com\/time-spent-outdoors-has-powerful-effects-on-mood-sleep-massive-study-shows\">Large-Scale Study Reveals The True Health Benefits of Getting Outdoors<\/a><br>www.psychologytoday.com &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.psychologytoday.com\/us\/blog\/how-my-brain-works\/202308\/can-the-sounds-of-nature-help-heal-our-body-and-brain\">Can the Sounds of Nature Help Heal Our Body and Brain?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"MetaShare\">\n\n\t\t\t<button id=\"likeButton\" data-nonce=\"c7bf531dd3\" data-postid=\"10400\" class=\"Button Button--default Button--icon likeButton\"><span class=\"likeButtonText\">Like this guide<\/span><svg width=\"21\" height=\"20\" viewBox=\"0 0 21 20\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n<path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M10.4947 3.09742C8.5448 1.39335 5.66108 1.04464 3.42166 2.95804C0.999337 5.02773 0.647396 8.5134 2.56291 10.9783C3.29002 11.9139 4.70917 13.3196 6.07302 14.6069C7.45283 15.9092 8.82946 17.1399 9.50834 17.7411C9.51258 17.7449 9.51691 17.7487 9.5213 17.7526C9.58512 17.8092 9.66457 17.8796 9.74074 17.937C9.83194 18.0057 9.96286 18.0909 10.1377 18.1431C10.3701 18.2124 10.62 18.2124 10.8524 18.1431C11.0272 18.0909 11.1581 18.0057 11.2493 17.937C11.3255 17.8796 11.405 17.8092 11.4688 17.7526C11.4732 17.7487 11.4775 17.7449 11.4817 17.7411C12.1606 17.1399 13.5373 15.9092 14.9171 14.6069C16.2809 13.3196 17.7001 11.9139 18.4272 10.9783C20.3353 8.52288 20.0377 5.01032 17.5597 2.95074C15.2954 1.06872 12.4424 1.3927 10.4947 3.09742Z\" fill=\"#186571\"\/>\n<\/svg>\n<\/button>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"row justify-content-center MetaShareSocial\" aria-label=\"Share\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"#\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"X\" class=\"Button Button--default MetaShareSocial__button MetaShareSocial__button--x\" id=\"share-twitter\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"><g transform=\"translate(-173 238)\"><path d=\"M18.9.75h3.68l-8.04,9.213L24,22.5H16.594l-5.8-7.6L4.156,22.5H.474l8.6-9.854L0,.75H7.594L12.837,7.7ZM17.61,20.291h2.039L6.486,2.843H4.3Z\" transform=\"translate(173 -237.625)\" fill=\"currentColor\"\/><\/g><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"#\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"facebook\"  class=\"Button Button--default MetaShareSocial__button MetaShareSocial__button--f\" id=\"share-facebook\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"><g transform=\"translate(-89 238)\"><path d=\"M14.186,24V13.2h3.279L18,8.4H14.186V6.062c0-1.236.032-2.462,1.759-2.462h1.749V.168A19.34,19.34,0,0,0,14.671,0C11.5,0,9.508,1.989,9.508,5.64V8.4H6v4.8H9.508V24Z\" transform=\"translate(89 -238)\" fill=\"currentColor\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\"\/><\/g><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<div id=\"likeCount\" class=\"likeCount\">Liked by <span id=\"likeCountValue\">6<\/span> users<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<hr class=\"MetaShare__hr\" \/>\n\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"MetaShareAuthor\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"140\" height=\"160\" src=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/profile-pic.jpg\" class=\"MetaShareAuthor__avatar wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/profile-pic.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/profile-pic-263x300.jpg 263w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/profile-pic-897x1024.jpg 897w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/profile-pic-768x877.jpg 768w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/profile-pic-946x1080.jpg 946w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 140px) 100vw, 140px\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"MetaShareAuthor__name\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBy Hilary Pullen\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"MetaShareAuthor__desc\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Meet Hilary, Editor of <a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\">OS Maps Discover<\/a>. Hilary is based in North Wales and loves hiking with her dogs in the mountains of Eryri and Bryniau Clwyd, you can find her on Instagram <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/nearlyuphill\/\">@nearlyuphill<\/a> and read her guides to <a href=\"https:\/\/nearlyuphill.co.uk\/\">walking in North Wales<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>If you would like to be a featured OS Author and write an article or route guide find out more here &#8211; \u00a0<a title=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/about\/write-for-us\" href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/about\/write-for-us\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\" data-linkindex=\"2\"><b>how to submit an article idea<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/article>\n\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Don&#8217;t let winter get you down! Get Outside and start reaping the proven mental and physical benefits of spending just 2 hours a week in nature<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":10709,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[286],"activities":[16],"locations":[17],"class_list":["post-10400","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-unprocessed-exercise","activities-wellbeing","locations-all-of-great-britain"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>The Proven Health Benefits of Getting Outside in Winter - OS Maps Discover<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Don&#039;t let winter get you down! 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