Get your nature on when it’s freezing outside with these winter nature rituals

We want to stay connected to nature, but most of us prefer the coziness of our warm homes in the winter months – especially in the coldest areas, such as the North Dakota prairie yours truly inhabits. These winter nature rituals can help you reconnect with nature while spending very little or no time outside at all.

Seasonal Affective Disorder

Staying cooped up indoors during the winter months comes with serious consequences. Full-blown Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) occurs when we bodies don't get as much exposure to sunlight as we should. Mayo Clinic defines SAD as “a mood disorder characterized by depression that occurs at the same time every year.”

Even those who don't develop full blown SAD can experience negative symptoms as a result of too little sunshine and fresh air, such as:

• fatigue
• hopelessness
• compromised immunity
• social withdrawal

We should also consider the spiritual and emotional lack we experience when too disconnected from nature:

• Attention disorders – foggy thinking, inability to focus, memory problems
• Over consumption and/or less mindful consumption of media in the form of television, internet surfing, and more

Winter Nature Rituals

So, what can we do to stay connected to the earth during winter? Here are a few ideas:

• Track the moon's cycles. All you need is a window and some resources on the phases of the moon. Journaling is an especially helpful way to track how the moon's cycles affect you personally.
• Care for your body. After all, you are nature, aren't you? Don't neglect your self care: tune in throughout the day and give your body what it needs, whether that's a glass of water, a nap, a round of gentle movement or whatever else.
• Mindful sun exposure. Light therapy is an option, but can we agree that natural exposure to the actual sun is ideal? Consider what will work best for you, whether that's spending time near a sunny window reading for 20 minutes every day, investing in a UV light. Be mindful about how your devices can affect your circadian rhythm.
• Eat seasonally. There is a reason we gravitate toward hearty, nourishing soups in the winter time: they offer us what we need where green salads and raw fruits that have been shipped across the country will not. Don't shy away from (quality) canned and frozen produce.
• Harvest winter herbs. What might the trees in your yard have to offer? What can you find under the snow?

By honoring each season, we can learn so much about our world and ourselves. What are your favorite ways to connect with nature during the wintertime?