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THE GREAT OUTDOORS — Recent weeks have brought flurry after flurry of new snow to the Wasatch Mountains, depositing precious water reserves and inviting everyone to take full advantage of the waning weeks of yet another breathtaking winter in Utah’s snow-covered mountains.
While frigid temperatures and snowy conditions might seem uninviting to some, there’s growing evidence that spending more time outdoors or even tuning into videos like the one highlighted in this article may improve not only your physical health but may boost your emotional and mental health as well.
Anxiety, depression and attention disorders are on the rise and for many people, winter can be the hardest season of all. So how can a snowstorm in the mountains help combat the winter blues?
Several studies say spending more time in nature, perhaps especially in winter when many people often spend more time indoors, can help manage anxiety, depression and even attention disorders.
Studies have even shown that when taking a walk or going on a hike isn't an option that videos like this can be remarkably therapeutic and help decrease stress and aggression.
So if you’ve been feeling a little blue, stressed or struggling with attentiveness, then consider bundling up and heading into nature. You could be doing yourself a huge favor.
Just remember that winter, like all seasons, requires its own set of safety precautions. Keep an eye on air quality, pack traction devices if you plan to explore an icy area and always practice avalanche and backcountry safety when exploring the mountains in winter.
