It is especially important to make sure and spend an adequate amount of time outdoors during the Fall months. With many of us now arriving home from work after it is dark each day it can become challenging to find the time to fit in a walk in the neighborhood or a hike on the trails. In this colder weather it can be very alluring to stay in for the football game on our days off, choosing warmth and comfort, and maybe an afternoon nap, over braving the wind and rain outdoors. I too feel the increased effort it takes to head out the door when I know I will be greeted by a cold wind in my face. But, the trade off I often find is that I am one of the only people who made it out of the house that day. What was a crowded trail or city street on a warmer day can now be had almost entirely to myself which enables a greater connection and focus on the natural world around me.
If the grey weather still feels a bit foreboding to you maybe drag a friend, pet, or family member out with you for some cheery conversation. If you are walking in a safe place, enjoy a podcast or music that fits your choice of activity. A nighttime walk to the city center or a decorated neighborhood can also be gentler activity to choose. Making the effort to schedule an hour or two outside each day during these months will pay off greatly for your mood and sense of calm after being cramped inside at work all week. If you plan it right you can still make it back into the warmth of your home in time for that sports game or holiday movie that you wanted to catch.
Last weekend I had a trip planned to camp in the San Pedro National Forest by Santa Barbara. When I started my long day on the trails the rain slowly increased to a steady drizzle which last for hours. I really struggled at first to find some enjoyment in the moment when I was cold and wet with the sky covered up by dark clouds. Luckily, I was finally able to find some humor in the moment as the sticky mud on the trail kept building up on my shoes making me feel like I was walking on giant sponges. As soon as I scraped the mud off the inches would build back up again on my soles after just a few minutes leaving me an inch or two taller though somewhat more unsteady. Finding some laughter in the crummy weather saved my hike and I was able to find the sunshine in the experience among all the clouds. My reward for staying out there on the planned route was that the rain did stop, I saw incredible views of the mountains, and I saw hardly a single other person on the trail that day. By sunset the clouds were opening up and I found myself full of amazement at the beauty all around me. I laughed again, thinking about how much one’s mood can change, if you just keep going outdoors.
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