An Appreciation of Winter
We don't have to dread short, dark days
Are you dreading winter’s cold, dark days? Maybe it doesn’t have to be that way.
The other day, Ally and I went skiing in southern Vermont with some of her family. At 3,500 feet, the mountain’s summit, the wind was whipping from 30 to 40 miles per hour, and the wind chill was somewhere around -10. But we were dressed appropriately, stuck together, and had a blast.
Skiing is an opportunity to enjoy time outside in nature during the winter months, when we usually spend the majority of our days inside. It’s an Olympic sport, but also a beautiful craft with a history of at least eight millennia. It’s a timeless connection to nature. You can disconnect from technology for a few hours and immerse your senses in the purity of the mountains.
I love the gentle swoosh of skis gracing and carving through the snow, the feel of the brisk air on my face, and the way the world seems to slow down as you glide through the powdery white space. There’s something magical about descending a mountain, passing by trees, and then hearing the crunch beneath your boots when you pause to take it all in. The cold air sharpens your senses. It tingles your cheeks. And it fills your lungs with a crisp freshness that’s both invigorating and calming.
The views at Mt. Snow were breathtaking: pine trees dusted with snow, the sun glinting off the icy terrain, and the mountains stretching in the distance. Even small victories like making it down a tricky stretch without a tumble fill you with a sense of joy.
“The mountains are calling, and I must go.”
—John Muir, naturalist and mountaineer
Yet you don’t need to head for the mountains to appreciate winter. Even walking outside in the neighborhood allows us to connect with something special.
This brings me to
, who explores in his book The Comfort Crisis that we spend far too much time indoors, particularly in the winter. That disconnect from our natural environment probably isn’t helping us break out of the concerning trends around loneliness, depression, anxiety, etc. Easter argues that avoiding discomfort—like cold weather—keeps us from experiencing the benefits of pushing our boundaries. He argues that exposure to challenging environments, such as the cold, builds resilience and helps us adapt to stress. It’s refreshing, even invigorating, to be outdoors in the cold.If you want to support my work, please take out a premium subscription (just $5 per month). This newsletter is free, but it takes effort to create. If you’re able, a small, voluntary subscription would mean the world.
Nature is also therapy. Studies show that being outside reduces stress, improves focus, and enhances well-being. Humans are biologically wired to handle seasonal changes, so by staying indoors during the winter, we miss out on the chance to adapt to and benefit from colder temperatures, such as improved circulation and metabolic boosts from cold exposure. Cold therapy may help with anxiety and improve mood and psychological well-being. Cold exposure may shift the parasympathetic nervous system, which is controlled by the vagus nerve, the main nerve that relaxes the body after stress.
Easter’s message is that stepping out of our (indoor) comfort zones can lead to a more fulfilling and balanced life, even in the coldest months. His book was released in 2021, when I began to really appreciate the winter after years of dread. Dark at 5 p.m.? Sub-30 degrees in many regions? No sun bathing, or meals outside? That doesn’t sound ideal.
"A snowflake is one of nature's most fragile things, but just look what they can do when they stick together." — Vesta Kelly
Winter has it own gifts. Winter sunsets and more time to look up and admire the night sky come to mind. When inside, the fireplace, hot tea, and great books await. Winter invites us to slow down and embrace stillness with cozy gatherings with loved ones. It's a season for reflection and for appreciating the beauty of frost-laden mornings.
Winter also reminds us of the power of rest and renewal — trees conserve energy and animals hibernate. Similarly, we can use the time to recharge, nurture ourselves and loved ones, and savor the peace of shorter days. I’ve also found that winter is a good time of year to tidy and get the house in order, which can reduce stress, improve our moods, and give us more energy. After all, one-fourth of life happens in the winter. We might as well try to cherish it.
Celebrate the great outdoors,
Matthew
