Winter days can be short and dark. Even now, when we’ve moved beyond the shortest day and are technically seeing longer periods of light, it can feel like winter is endless.

While the temptation is to hide away indoors until spring, a winter walk can be a wonderful way to get some gentle exercise, enjoy some fresh air, and give your health and wellbeing a real boost in the process.

Plus, it’s an excellent way to meet new people or enjoy some time with friends and family.

Read on to discover five ways a simple walk can brighten up your winter days.

The power of a winter walk: Get moving and you’ll boost your motivation to keep going

Walking is one of the easiest types of activity to add to your day. It’s free, and you can go at your own pace, for as long or as short a time as you like.

If you struggle with motivation – which can be common in winter – then this is something to bear in mind. According to Psychology Today, many of us become caught in the “motivation trap”, waiting for motivation to strike before we do anything.

But you could be waiting for a long time because motivation doesn’t precede action; action precedes motivation.

So, getting up and going for a walk will hardly ever feel like something you want to do on a dark, cold day. But if you just do it, you’ll not only feel better afterwards, but you’ll also feel more inclined to do it again the next time.

Here are just five of the benefits of getting out walking in winter.

1. It’s good exercise

According to the NHS, adults over 65 should do some type of physical activity every day, aiming for 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity a week. And a brisk daily walk of just 10 minutes counts towards this total.

As well as burning calories, walking can help to reduce your risk of osteoporosis, coronary heart disease, stroke, obesity, and diabetes.

One of the many beauties of walking is that you can easily build it into your day. It could be as simple as walking around your garden for a few laps – especially good if you’re a beginner or not very mobile.

Or you could take the scenic route to the shops, adding a few extra steps and getting out into the fresh air.

2. You’ll be getting some essential light

It can be tough to navigate long, dark winters, and according to Nuffield Health, around 2 million people in the UK suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). This can have a number of symptoms, such as low mood, lack of interest in socialising, low self-esteem, and stress.

Getting outdoors for a walk during daylight hours is one way to alleviate some of these symptoms, which are thought to primarily stem from lack of sunlight. Even if it’s not sunny, just getting out into the light can help boost your mood.

3. Connecting with nature is good for your emotional wellbeing

Spending time in nature can really support your mental health. In fact, research from the Mental Health Foundation found that 44% of people said that being close to nature made them feel less anxious and worried.

If you live in the countryside or near a park, then you have easy access to green spaces. If you’re in a city, look for community gardens or urban parks.

Outdoor spaces can sometimes be crowded in summer, so winter can be a more peaceful time to walk and explore. It can be a quieter time for coastal walks or getting out into parks and woodlands without the associated crowds.

Spotting small birds is another bonus at this time of year, as many migrate to the UK for the winter. For example, redwings, waxwings, and lapwings tend to be around until about March.

4. It can help to create routine and structure

When it feels dark all the time, it can affect your daily routines. Adding a regular walk into your day can give some structure and purpose to winter days.

You could build it in as part of your day, such as walking to the shop at the same time, or simply allocate it as your time for a walk in its own right.

5. You can build your social connections

Staying indoors for too long during winter can start to become isolating. If you choose, walking can be a pleasant social activity. You could suggest your partner join you or make a regular date with friends.

If you’d like to meet some new people, there are walking groups all over the UK. Try searching the Ramblers website if you’re not sure whether there’s one in your local area.

Stay safe on your winter walks

Remember to wrap up warm; layers are a good option as they can keep you warm but not overly hot.

It’s also a good idea to make sure your phone is fully charged, especially if you’re walking alone, so you can contact someone in an emergency.

And if you decide to branch out beyond your local area, do your research beforehand so you know your route before setting off.

Get in touch

When we’re not out on our winter walks, we’re here supporting you with your financial planning. If there’s anything you’d like to discuss, we’d be happy to help. Email hello@intelligentpensions.com or call 0800 077 8807.

Please note

This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at individuals only.

All information is correct at the time of writing and is subject to change in the future.