Wintertime can be a challenging season for Michiganders to exercise: Snow, ice and cold, often freezing temperatures and later sunrises and earlier sunsets keep people indoors and even sinking down into the couch.
But if you are tired and sad during the winter months—and can’t get up off the couch—you might be experiencing the winter blues.
What are the “winter blues?”
According to Psychology Today, a recent study revealed that a large majority of American adults experience “winter blues,” when the lower exposure to daylight and fewer trips outdoors can trigger vitamin D deficiency causing some to become sad and lethargic. More serious cases can be diagnosed by a health professional as seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a form of depression.
But there are some remedies.
The proven benefits of being outdoors
“We know that there are proven health and wellness benefits that come with spending time outdoors and in a park setting,” Oakland County Parks Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist and OCP Recreation Supervisor Sandy Dorey said.
Winter activities Oakland County Parks offers
Winter physical activities you can do within Oakland County Parks include cross-country skiing, snow shoeing, sledding, fat tire biking and even hiking. Just get yourself a good pair of boots for the snow and ice!
Oakland County Parks also offers nearly 100 miles of both paved and natural trails on which it is possible to run and walk all winter. The dog parks provide the opportunity to get outside and let your pooch run around, too.
The parks system’s pristine waters offer ice fishing when temperatures are below freezing. Ice fishing is fun for all ages and offers great outdoor opportunities to connect with others. Oakland County Parks staff don’t check ice safety; ice fishing is at your own risk. Snowmobiles, ATVs and side-by-sides are not allowed on the ice. At Independence Oaks County Park, ice shanties are allowed.
Children and adults can connect with nature through exciting outdoor programs throughout the winter at Red Oaks Nature Center in Madison Heights or the Wint Nature Center within Independence Oaks County Park in Clarkston. Check out upcoming programs at the nature centers, which include tapping a tree for maple syrup and a night hike.
So, move your body! The winter—and Oakland County Parks—provide many opportunities to get outside to beat the winter blues.
For information, visit OaklandCountyParks.com. Join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram and X.
Oakland County offers residents quality, affordable housing in welcoming neighborhoods with access to parks and recreation, public transportation, and healthy food as part of the Livable Neighborhoods goal in our five-year road map. Follow the Oakland County Executive Office on Facebook and X for updates. Follow along with Oakland County on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, X, and YouTube using #OaklandCounty, or visit our website for news and services year-round.