Still Open for Business, You're Always Welcome...Outside!

SAD? Not! As we around these parts and many throughout the northern hemisphere prepare to spend more time indoors in the near future, due in part to what we tend to refer to as 'inclement' meteorological conditions ("unpleasantly cold and wet"), and outdoor cafes are having to move indoors with capacity restrictions, I am writing in an attempt to mitigate an outbreak of another condition common in the winter season here. Namely, SAD, or "Seasonal Affective Disorder", a condition that includes feelings of depression and malaise, attributed to not being exposed to enough bright light (i.e., sunshine) during the winter months in particular. But in my vast professional experience now, I have become increasingly compelled by another important variable, which is what people are doing OR NOT when they are hibernating in the winter months...usually a lot less; there is less SAD (not a complete immunity) reported by individuals who sustain a rigorous regimen of activity/exercise throughout the period in question, inside or out...

Olympics Alive and Well: This month's "Outside" magazine includes a feature "The Best Adventures of a Very Weird Year", which in turn includes such extravagant activities as "Three Times Up Everest" (without the mountain), which entails simply hiking up and down a local hill a sufficient number of times to accumulate 29,029 feet of climbing (and descending, of course). No need for extra oxygen nor a GPS, but you will need your fitbit or smart watch to count your steps, given the likelihood of losing track of what number up/downs you are on. Another, entitled "Home Run", documents the marathon some dude accomplished running laps around his 23 foot balcony ("but what would the neighbors think?"--who cares?!). Just a few to ignite your imagination, whet your appetite for activities you can do in the coming months, no matter the weather or restrictions on movement. No SADS allowed here. 

BYWO: Back Yard Winter Olympics -- I can't wait! Proceeding from the posts "Playgrounds of the Pandemic" and "COVID Combine", my attention turns to the opportunities the winter months provide for some simple outdoor events in either the front or back yards (wherever there is less yellow snow). Ranging from the "Great Sled Pull" (aka "come on, pull us one more time around the yard!"), "Snow Boulder Lift" (building Frosty), to "Synchronized Snow Maneuvers" (snow angels!). The opportunities are endless, once again only limited by our imaginations and willingness (and hot chocolate). 

A Matter of Extremes: I have often told people that, when it comes to a long distance run, I'd rather do it on the coldest day of winter than the hottest day of summer, if forced between these two extreme options--you can always create thermal layers and stay warm while being a body in motion even in below zero wind chills, whereas you can only take so much off in an attempt to cool yourself. If you want to see this in the extreme, to experience it vicariously in order to warm you up on the coldest day of winter, check out Wim Hof and his ice bath methods to bolster immunities, repeatedly demonstrating how our minds and bodies are capable of withstanding extreme conditions (maybe even good for us). But, if you are considering an ice bath, a polar swim, or even an extended snow angel session, it would behoove you to remember our mother's advice and use the potty before going outside. Otherwise, beware of urine icicles--OUCH!!

       The outdoors is always open! Nature beckons. Nature Rx. Rarified air. Come on in, the water's fine! Need I say more? Do you need more motivational slogans? OK, just one more--"Just Do It!"