Winter, Nature, and Why Getting Outside Still Matters
Photo by Elke Karin Lugert on Unsplash.
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PROJECT OF THE WEEK
I love reading anything that reminds me of this simple truth: getting outside makes us feel better. Full stop.
We know it. The research backs it up. Time in nature increases focus, supports regulation, boosts mood, and improves overall health—for kids and adults. Sunlight helps. Fresh air helps. Movement helps. Nature helps.
In the summer, this feels easy. The weather cooperates. The days are longer. Being outside doesn’t require quite so much planning.
Winter is different.
Cold mornings, short days, heavy coats. It can feel like a lot. And because it feels hard, we often default to staying inside, telling ourselves we’ll “get back outside when the weather warms up.”
But winter is long. And our brains, bodies, and nervous systems still need what nature provides.
So today, I want to invite you to pause, not to add another thing to your to-do list, but to gently think about how you might get a little more outdoor time this winter.
For our family, that has looked like skiing.
We commit to it ahead of time. We’ve already paid for it, which helps us follow through. One day each week, we show up, dress for the weather so we’re not cold, and spend hours outside. We move our bodies. We soak up sunlight when it appears. We connect with nature. We see friends.
We started doing this weekly last winter, and honestly, it made a noticeable difference. The winter blues felt lighter. The season felt more manageable. Having a built-in reason to get outside changed everything.
Getting Started
Your version doesn’t have to look like skiing.
Maybe your child waits for the bus outside. Could you wait with them instead of staying inside? A few extra minutes of sunlight, fresh air, and quiet connection can be surprisingly grounding, for both of you.
Maybe it’s a short walk. If the cold is the barrier, could the solution be as simple as warmer clothes? A big puffy coat, good boots, and gloves that actually keep your hands warm can make winter walks feel doable, even cozy.
Do you love hiking in the summer? Many trails are still accessible in winter with the right gear. The quiet, the snow, the stillness, it’s a different experience, but a beautiful one.
Or maybe the key is accountability. Is there a friend who would meet you for a walk once a week, even when it’s cold? Sometimes knowing someone is waiting makes it much easier to step outside.
None of this has to be perfect. It doesn’t have to be long. It just has to be intentional.
Winter doesn’t have to mean retreating completely indoors. With a little planning, and a lot of self-compassion, we can still give ourselves and our kids the benefits of fresh air, movement, and nature.
I’d love to hear from you:
What are some ways you get outside in the winter? What has worked for you?
Let’s share ideas and make this season feel a little brighter together.
Ready to Get Started?
If you're feeling excited about putting this strategy into action and could use a little extra accountability and support, the It’s All in the Planning Starter Pak is here to help! Designed to set you up for success, it’s the perfect tool to keep you on track and moving forward.
Let’s make progress together—because great results start with great planning!
A Note from Happy Spaces
Our goal is simple: to add value to your life. If you think this project will be helpful, here are some steps to set yourself up for success:
Estimate how long it will take—then double it. Giving yourself extra time helps reduce stress.
Schedule it on your calendar for the week ahead. Setting a specific date increases follow-through.
Break it up if it will take more than an hour. Tackling it in smaller steps makes it more manageable.
Make a list of every action needed before you start. A clear plan helps keep you on track.
Do what works for you—you don’t have to complete every part, just what adds value to your life.
Find an Accountability Partner—having support makes it easier to stay committed.
We understand that building new habits and systems can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. For additional support, visit HappySpacesBySarah.com and let’s make organizing and planning easier together.
Creating a life you don't need a vacation from! ®
Sincerely,
Sarah Weingarten
Meet Sarah
As the oldest of nine kids with two working parents, I grew up juggling many responsibilities at home. Organization and time management became my lifeline amidst the chaos.
I attended the Cornell Hotel School and pursued my childhood dream of working in the hospitality industry. In 2016, I launched Happy Spaces, combining my passion for structure and efficiency with helping others.
I love working with students to develop essential organizational, time management, and study skills. These skills empower them to reach their full potential, build confidence, and create a future they feel good about.