Make it a season of fresh air
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Winter sunset at Rosario Beach, Deception Pass State Park, Washington state © Rebecca Bailey
This winter refresh your day, literally, with fresh air. Go outside, take a big gulp of fresh air, then take a few more, and you’ll enjoy a full spectrum of health-promoting goodness. You’ll increase your energy, be more mentally focused, feel more relaxed, and get more oxygen into your lungs to help expel airborne toxins (we all need a little bit of that right now). A walk outside a few times each week will do the trick. However, if you want a little more adventure, throw in a few outings with a goal of “what can I discover” or “I want to explore this today.” Here are some of my favorites to get you out there. Wishing you a season of fresh air and exploration!
Take a beach walk. You’ll breathe in tiny invisible swirling ions. Science will tell you that these ions are negatively charged air molecules that are abundantly generated from the ocean surf. The charged part of the water droplet breaks loose and combines with oxygen atoms in the air to create negative ions. If you are nearby, you inhale the ions and once they are in your bloodstream, they have a positive effect on your health. Your mood will lighten. You'll feel a boost in your energy. And you'll feel stronger. It works like a charm.
National Parks offers five free days throughout the year. The next one is April 16. Click here for more details. Perfect for a weekend getaway with lots of seasonal outside activities to choose from. Also, if you live in Washington State, you might want to check your local library for State Park passes. Our local library system allows you to borrow a Discover Pass for one week. This gives you access to Washington state parks for one week. It’s part of the statewide “Check out Washington Program.”
Watch a winter sunset for your nightcap. I took the sunset picture above last week. At one point we were bathed in golden light. Magical. According to NOAA, sunsets are much more vivid in the winter because of low humidity, cleaner air, more clouds, and the earth’s close distance to the sun. Also, the angle of the sun creates longer sunsets. No need to stay up late to view—shorter days mean earlier sunsets.
Winter night skies are meant for moon gazing. Lunar power has always intrigued me. Steeped in stories of magic, rituals, and feminine energy this celestial body is worth getting to know. On clear nights, go outside and gaze at the moon. Feel the lunar energy. Start tracking its place in your sky. Learn how different seasons and phases of the moon affect its rising. Many believe a mystical power is associated with each phase. For example, new moon energy is said to be the best time to start a new project. Each full moon, which occurs every month, has a different name and meaning. This February it’s a Snow Moon. In March it will be Worm Moon. Later in the year, Beaver moon. This is a nice way to quiet your mind and get a few calming breaths of fresh air before you head to bed.
Roam outside with a notebook or journal. (or maybe even your day planner) Let your curiosity lead the way. Walk or sit somewhere in nature and just observe. Jot down notes about anything that grabs your interest. You might also want to capture insights, solutions to challenges, or new ideas that arise. This is a good time to focus on deep, calming breaths.
Try a Forest Bathing walk. This slow paced walk originated in Japan and immerses you into the energy of a forest. These beautiful, calming walks incorporate meditation, presence, and invite you to open your senses to commune with the forest. In my experience, it is an absolutely lovely, calming way to get fresh air.
Get curious about trees. My partner and I love trees. Check out his tree gallery at givenphoto.com. His images truly capture their artful beauty. Douglas firs, western red cedars, western hemlocks, and big leaf maples create a lovely canopy on the grounds of a park that’s about a 10-minute walk from our home. According to Audubon, “a healthy tree can supply one person with all the oxygen she/he needs in one day.” Also, they filter pollution, provide homes for many animals and birds, and of course give us ample shade. If you are so inclined, try to learn the names of a few in your neighborhood. If you look at the shape, bark pattern, and leaf type you can easily identify them with a good field guide or nature app. This is a fun thing to do with your significant other, kids, or friend.
Schedule a day trip to a regional park. For Seattleites or would-be visitors, check out the Puget Sound Urban Nature series that covers urban parks around Seattle. These parks are one-of-a-kind and delightful to explore for a few hours.
Note the shrubs in your neighborhood. Shrubs are generally shorter than trees with several branches rather than one long trunk. If they have winter blooming flowers or berries, you’ll most likely see them flocked by birds. These are critical food sources for them. Pyracantha is a low growing shrub with bright red berries. Jays, waxwings, robins, and cardinals love these berries. Maybe for good reason. The berries can be mildly hallucinogenic, so birds can get a little loopy after eating them. A sight to see!
Scan nearby trees for owls. You might be surprised at how often these illusive birds are roosting in neighborhood trees or cruising down a street at dawn or dusk. We’ve witnessed both. In early February listen for great-horned owls hooting as they start their mating season. Also, check your local parks for guided owls hunts. Always a fun, fresh outing on a clear winter day.
Take the kids to look for mammals in your area. Tell them they are going to discover the secret lives of animals in the neighborhood. Note their habitat—where they eat and sleep. Squirrels, rabbits, opossums, and raccoons are common in urban green spaces such as ravines, fields, parks, and even backyards. If you’re lucky you might even see a woodpecker. I know…it’s a bird—but the kids will love it anyway.
Visit an area where wintering birds congregate. Many wildlife refuges offer habitat for wintering birds and animals. Here in Washington state, we’ve got thousands of snow geese that winter in the Skagit flats region, which is about an hour’s drive north of Seattle. The viewing is up-close as they feed and rest in local farmer fields. Tundra and trumpeter swans, bald eagles, snowy owls, and short-eared owls winter in this area, too. Pack a few snacks and beverages to make it a tailgate for a fun winter day trip.
Do you have a marina nearby? This is a great place to walk and its waterways are popular for wintering ducks and seals.
