Getting motivated to enjoy the great outdoors until winter arrives
In collaboration with TOUGO
When the trees are bare and the temperature is plummeting, it's tempting to stay warm at home! But then we'd be depriving ourselves of invigorating outdoor activities! Here are five good reasons to stay active outdoors, and tips for enjoying the often unloved end of autumn.
Parc national du Bic
1. Enjoying a more peaceful natural environment
In the in-between season, nature is quieter and more Zen-like, ideal for exploring. The parks are less crowded, making it possible to become fully immersed in the natural environment. It's the perfect opportunity to do some local wildlife watching, perhaps spot migratory birds or simply enjoy the all-encompassing tranquility.
Getting motivated: How about a mindfulness walk? Turn your attention to the smells of autumn, the crunch of leaves beneath your feet, the sound of rain on the trees. You can start with short sessions of 5 to 15 minutes, concentrating on your breathing and the sensations transmitted by the surroundings. A form of meditation in nature!
2. Getting ready for winter
For winter sports enthusiasts, the in-between season is the ideal time to prepare one’s body for the activities to come, gently and at a suitable pace. By keeping fit and on the go, you’ll maintain muscle tone and gradually get used to the cold, making winter outings more enjoyable. This is also an opportune time to work on cardiovascular endurance and balance, two essential elements for enjoying winter sports like skiing or skating.
Getting motivated: Comfort is the name of the game, and multi-layer clothing is just the ticket. The goal? To look like an onion, but in style. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer, then an insulating layer to keep in the heat, and finally a waterproof, windproof outer layer. Don't forget accessories like gloves, a hat, and thermal socks. These layers will keep you warm, whatever the weather.
3. Strengthening our bond with nature
Getting out into nature at this time of year teaches us to appreciate the cycle of the seasons, to observe how changing light transforms landscapes we thought we knew by heart. The in-between seasons offer unique spectacles: the last colours of autumn, the first frosts that crystallize the landscape, the morning mist that gives a mysterious air to the forests. It's also a great time to observe how flora and fauna prepare for the chilly season: trees shedding their last leaves, plants going dormant, squirrels stocking up on provisions, and so much more besides.
Getting motivated: Challenge yourself to keep a little gratitude journal. After each outing, write down one thing that was highly appreciated, or take a photo of a detail that made a lasting impression. It can be as simple as "I noticed the fascinating patterns of frost on the leaves" or "I enjoyed the soothing calm of the forest today." You can even create a photo album to share discoveries. It's amazing how this can be a great source of motivation to head back outside and pay more attention to our environment!
4. Defeating the seasonal blues
Being active outdoors is great for the morale. On the one hand, physical activity stimulates the production of endorphins, commonly known as the happy hormones. Secondly, exposure to natural light, even on overcast days, helps to regulate our circadian rhythm and stimulate the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter associated with being in a good mood. This is particularly important during the in-between season, when the days get shorter and there’s a natural inclination to spend more time indoors.
Getting motivated: Invite a close friend or loved one along for an outing to provide encouragement and support. Not only is a good time shared by all, but each person motivates the other. A small group of "in-between-season" hiking enthusiasts can even get together and organize regular outings. Getting involved with other people makes it a whole lot easier to stay keen. And if ever you should lose your way, well, there’ll be somebody with whom to share granola bars when you get back on the beaten track!
5. Enjoying a fresh air caress
Who doesn't love the feel of fresh air on their face? It's like a natural tonic! At this time of year, the air generally contains less pollen. This can be particularly beneficial for allergy sufferers. Moving around outside can also boost our immune system, which can help fend off respiratory infections more effectively. And, let's face it, it's often more pleasant to exercise when the weather’s not so hot.
Getting motivated: Make yourself a hot drink to go. There's nothing like a cup of tea, coffee, or hot chocolate to warm you up from the inside during or after your activity. You can invest in a quality thermos that will keep your drink hot for hours. If you’re the more adventurous type, why not try recipes like a spiced chai latte or a milk burnished with golden turmeric. What a great way to add a touch of the exotic to any outing!
TOUGO. My health boost.
TOUGO is a 100% Québec-based platform that encourages us to take good care of ourselves. We're big fans of the theory of small steps: through simple gestures, we adopt new habits and take control of our health. Slowly, but surely – and for a long time to come!