There are various benefits of staying outdoors and being one with nature. As per research, walking in nature improves your memory and attention span. The impact of nature is so powerful on mind and body that even doctors prescribe nature and outdoors to treat depression, anxiety and stress related problems.

However, with winter many things change apart from just mercury falling below the average.  The days become shorter and the nights longer. It also affects your daily routine ad clothing options. One thing that does not change is your walking habits. If you have the habit of walking, then there is no need to stop that during the winters. Make the most of the season change. Staying active all year round helps your body in different ways.

Planning a winter walk is no cakewalk but you have to keep lots of things in mind before you start doing so.

Clothing Essentials

If you are going for a normal brisk walking or a job alongside the road or a park, clothing needs to be done accordingly. Wear a boot with a firm grip so that the wet or slippery roads do not bother you. On the other hand, if you are going for a little higher altitude, consider picking your gears carefully like an ice axe and mountaineering boots.

Keeping Warm

When you start winter walking, the most obvious factor is the warmth. So, you have to layer wisely to ensure that you do not overheat yourself. Give extra attention to accessories like wearing a hat and gloves. When you are walking in winter, it is mostly the wind and the rain that bothers you. Thus, when you are outside, it is the capacity of wind and wet that takes away the warmth so being prepared pays off.

Walking the Winter Trail

Ice can transform a path even when there is no snow. Carrying the essential gear helps you on the road Thus, when you are navigating rough wintery terrain, the skills are best acquired rather than learned. The accessories are only there to help you but the real skill lies with you on how to overcome challenges like rain, mist, and snow.

Avoid Navigation Errors

There are various natural causes or disasters which might impair your navigation skills. You must also remember that navigation errors are the root cause of many accidents. Exhaustion levels also increase when navigation errors add miles and hours to your route.

Walking under the clear sky, bright sun and dry underfoot is quite a pleasant experience but that is the summer story. In winter, you need to stay prepared when you are walking in the snow. The conditions during the winter change within the blink of an eye, so taking the necessary gear along with you is important for the winter walking experience. You learn the most survival skills while on road so stay focused and use the gear whenever possible. This will ensure that your winter walk is a marvelous one.

Observe Your Surroundings

Winter might seem quite lifeless but at the end of the day observing your surroundings can help you more. So, while you are camping or hiking in the cold and snow, it is important to look out for trails left by animals or plants that have leaves and berries on them. It shows signs of life and wildlife dwellings giving you better hint at where you should camp.

Also, for people who love birdwatching, there could not be a better time as the branches stay bare and observing the birds becomes easier than ever.