There are many reasons to be upbeat as we greet mid-winter. First, as our days get longer, the light gives us extra time to get outside after work. Secondly, that extra outdoor sunshine supplies us with the vitamin D boost which benefits our physical and emotional health.
There is a lot of media coverage pointing out the risk of inactive lifestyles and for many people, winter seems to add to inactive habits. What’s up with that? There is no reason to link colder temperatures with less activity. It wasn’t but a few months ago that I heard complaints that it was “too hot to do anything!” It appears to me that we are imitating the Goldilocks bears, looking for the elusive “just right” condition to go outside. People get paralyzed waiting for the right time to get active.
I love winter because I am able to control my comfort more easily than in the summer. It amazes me that every time I zip up my turtle neck shirt, I instantly feel warmer. A simple zip down, and I cool right off. It is so easy to layer your clothing for winter activity. Once you have the correct layers, there’s a world of winter fun waiting to be discovered.
When the snow banks narrow the walking zone along many Maine roads it’s smart to search for new routes. It’s perfectly OK to drive to an area that is a bit more walker friendly. I’ve enjoyed several long walks in Portland as a wonderful diversion during twilight. Or, stay close to home and see what’s new in the neighborhood.
Recently my wife and I strapped on our snowshoes and enjoyed exploring our backyard. It was easy to spend 45 minutes walking along the fence, stepping over flower beds and following the deer tracks across the lawn. We followed a route that we would never have considered during a summer evening, but with snow on the ground and a chill nipping at our necks, the backyard was transformed into an artic landscape and we were the explorers. Those 45 minutes were not uncomfortable because we were trudging through the snow and our hearts were pumping warm blood to our fingers and toes. Best of all, we were keeping our hearts in healthy shape.
Those of us who enjoy getting out skiing, snowshoeing and winter walking should take extra effort during the second half of the winter to introduce at least one person to a new outdoor activity. Let’s counter those sound bites on TV and radio that feature complaints about the deep snow and winter temperatures. Let’s turn those reports to positive stories about sledding, skiing and skating. Let’s overwhelm the couch potatoes with stories of being outside, embracing winter and getting jazzed up from so much fun!
For those who have resigned themselves to the fact that there is a lot of winter ahead, let’s give them reason to subscribe to the motto “if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em” with a new outdoor activity. Winter is Maine’s longest season and I just can’t wait for the second half. So, take a fresh look outside and enjoy winter’s sparkle. You’ll be surprised just how fast winter goes when learn to love it.
Greg Sweetser is the executive director of the Ski Maine Association, a nonprofit trade association representing the ski & snowboard industry in Maine. Greg is a lifelong skier who also enjoys snowboarding and Nordic tours, and he serves on the boards of WinterKids and the Ski Museum of Maine.