As the days grow shorter and temperatures drop, it can be all too tempting to hunker down indoors. But spending time outside — even when it’s chilly — boosts our mood, energizes us, and keeps us connected with the world around us.

This week, we're sharing five practical tips to help you embrace the colder days and keep getting that fresh air. These small steps will make heading outside feel easier and, hopefully, even enjoyable!

First, Dress for Success

Today, we’re talking about how to dress for success as the weather gets chillier. Cold weather doesn’t have to keep you from enjoying time outdoors — as long as you’re prepared. With the right layers, you’ll be comfortable and even cozy.

Think of it as creating a “shell” to protect you from the elements: Start with a base layer that wicks away moisture (like polyester or wool), followed by an insulating layer to trap warmth, and finally, a waterproof or windproof outer layer to keep out the elements.

When you’re warm and dry, you’re much more likely to enjoy your time outside, no matter what the weather is like. Taking just a little extra time to gear up right can transform your winter walk into a pleasant and refreshing experience.

4 Tips to Dress for the Weather

🧦 Invest in Quality Socks: Cold feet can end a walk quickly, so choose wool socks to keep your toes toasty.

🧤 Cover Your Extremities: A hat, gloves, and scarf are key to protecting sensitive areas and preventing heat loss.

🧣 Stay Comfortable with Accessories: If you walk frequently, try a neck warmer or thermal gloves designed for movement — little touches that make outdoor time much more pleasant.

Set A Small Goal

When it’s cold and dark, sometimes the hardest part is just getting out the door. 

Instead of pressuring yourself to stay outside for a long time, start with a simple, manageable goal: like a 5- to 10-minute walk. 

Knowing you’re only committed to a few minutes can make it easier to lace up your shoes and head outside. Plus, once you’re out there, you may find yourself enjoying it enough to stay a little longer. 

Small goals not only help build a habit, but they’re also motivating because they’re easy wins — each time you succeed, you reinforce the habit, and make it easier to keep going.

3 Ways to Make Your Outdoor Goal a Habit

📅 Make it Non-Negotiable: Block off time for this outdoor goal, even if it’s just on your lunch break or after dinner.

🐶 Tie It to Something You Already Do: Link your walk to a daily habit, like listening to a podcast or walking your dog.

🖊️ Track Your Progress: Mark each successful day on a calendar or in an app—seeing your progress can keep you motivated!

Stay Safe In The Dark

As the days become shorter, that means more time spent outside in the dark. But safety doesn’t have to be a barrier to enjoying some outdoor time. With a few smart precautions, you can feel secure and comfortable even when visibility is low. 

Reflective clothing is a must if you’ll be near traffic, while a headlamp or flashlight helps illuminate your path, making it easier to spot any icy patches or obstacles. 

Walking in well-lit areas and going with a friend can also add an extra layer of security. By taking a few extra steps to stay safe, you’ll feel more confident about getting outside and making the most of these darker days.

4 Outdoor Safety Tips

🦺 Wear Reflective or Bright Colors: A reflective vest or jacket helps you stand out, especially around traffic.

💡 Invest in a Headlamp: These are hands-free and great for lighting your path, keeping you aware of uneven ground or icy patches.

👞 Check Your Footwear: Choose shoes with good grip to prevent slips on wet or icy surfaces. If it's snowy, consider using shoe grips or traction cleats for extra stability.

👥 Tell Someone Your Plan: Let a friend or family member know when and where you’re going if you’re heading out alone for a long walk or run.

Remember The Benefits

When it’s cold, it’s easy to forget why spending time outside is worth the effort. But even in cold weather, fresh air and natural light provide countless benefits for your body and mind.

Exposure to sunlight, even on cloudy days, helps regulate your body’s internal clock, improving sleep and boosting mood. 

Outdoor time also reduces stress, enhances creativity, and boosts vitamin D levels, which is essential for immune health. 

Reminding yourself of these perks can help shift your mindset from “I have to go outside” to “I get to go outside” — making it easier to take that first step out the door.

3 Ways to Shift Your Mindset

🧠 Reframe it as Self-Care: A few minutes outside is an easy, healthy way to clear your mind and reset.

☀️ Remember the Immune Boost: Natural light exposure, even if it’s cloudy, supports Vitamin D production and immune health.

😌 Remind Yourself of the Mood Lift: Outdoor time can help you feel calmer and more focused — ideal for a midday pick-me-up.

Lastly, Make it Fun!

So far, we covered how to dress when it’s cold, why setting tiny goals is the secret to getting out there, how to stay safe in the dark, and the benefits of outdoor time. To wrap it all up, we’ll talking about making it fun!

Making outdoor time fun and engaging is key to sticking with it when it’s dark and cold.

Turn it into a chance to do something you enjoy, whether that’s listening to a new playlist, catching up on a podcast, using the time to call a friend — or taking photos of cool leaves or the interesting patterns on sewer grates 😜

Little additions like these can turn a simple walk into a time you look forward to. Walking with a pet or exploring a new route can add a sense of adventure, making your outdoor time feel like an enjoyable experience, rather than just another item on your to-do list.

3 Ways to Make Outdoor Time Fun

♫  Create a Playlist or Audiobook: An audiobook or playlist tailored to your mood can make your walks something you look forward to.

🦮 Bring a Furry Friend: If you have a pet, bring them along for companionship and added joy.

🚶🏻‍♀️ Mix Up Your Routes: Choose different streets or parks to keep the scenery fresh — it adds variety and makes the time fly!

That's it, folks. Next time it feels like your couch is pulling you in, I hope this post gives you some ideas for how to get outdoors, by making it safe, cozy, and fun! Your brain and body will thank you over the Winter season ❄️

See you around the sessions this week,

— Scott, focused space host