Beat Winter Stress By Heading Outdoors

It seems like almost every day brings a new snow storm or another cold spell. It makes us want to stay indoors and reduce our activities. But, that just may lead to winter stress.

"One of the main winter stress fighters is to try to find ways to still have the mobility and freedom that you have during other seasons of the year," says Tom Carlson, an assistant professor in North Dakota State University’s child development and family science department. "During the winter months people may feel a little down or a little depressed which leaves them less motivated to do some of the things that would take away the stress."

Carlson suggests that you be more purposeful in planning outdoor activities for your family or as an individual. You may want to go sledding or just get outside so you can move around. The same holds true for other activities you may enjoy such as exercising, reading and family time.

Another potential problem to avoid is isolation. "The more isolated we are from others, the more power stress and depression have on our lives," notes Carlson. "Just being socially connected to family or friends can help alleviate winter stress. Again, it may take a little extra determination or planning on your part."

Looking at things more positively by changing your belief system can also help. "During the tough winter months it’s really important to think what’s important and what’s not," says Carlson. "A lot of times we worry about things that, in the end, aren’t very important. It only increases the stress."

It might be difficult thinking about your belief system, so Carlson suggests talking to a counselor or somebody you trust. "But that’s a little more difficult because sometimes we don’t know what we believe until we start talking to people about it." Changing beliefs can mean the difference between being happy or just getting by. "Making changes can get you back to living the way you want rather than being governed by circumstances such as cold and snowy weather."

Keeping a sense of humor can help relieve winter stress. "You know it’s cold in North Dakota when," is an often heard phrase during North Dakota winters. Laughter relieves tension and is a cure to upsets, Carlson says.

Many people think that the world around us creates stress when in fact most of it is self-generated. "But recognizing that much of our stress is self-created is an important step in dealing with it," says Carlson.

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Source: Tom Carlson, (701) 231-8279, tom_carlson@ndsu.nodak.edu
Editor: Rich Mattern, (701) 231-6136, Richard_Mattern@ndsu.nodak.edu