Permanent link for Boost Your Energy with "Uitwaaien" This Winter on December 4, 2024

Is it becoming harder to get motivated to sit down and do your homework as the days get shorter? Is your exercise routine getting derailed? You’re not alone! A study in the UK found that more than two thirds of employees said they were not as productive and didn’t feel they could concentrate as well during the winter months. With the snow coming down, less daylight, and colder weather, it is understandable that the goals we set during the warmer months feel more difficult to achieve during the colder months. Read on to find some strategies to boost your energy this winter! 

Have you ever heard of the word “Uitwaaien”?  

“Uitwaaien” (out-vahyn) is a Dutch word which directly translates to “out blowing”. This word is used to describe any kind of exercise such as running, walking or biking that is done outside, especially in windy weather. The Netherlands is known to be a windy country, but I think we can agree Allendale also offers plenty of windy weather! Although getting outside in the cold is often the last thing we want to do in the winter, it actually can increase our energy and leave us feeling refreshed. Especially when around nature, engaging in some uitwaaien can benefit many parts of our well-being including environmental, emotional, and physical.  

Is it really worth it? 

You might be wondering if going outside in the cold and wind is really worth it. Does it help our well-being that much to go through all that? I’d say so! It depends what you think of these perks: 

• Studies show, spending even only 5 minutes in nature can leave us with a more positive outlook on our feeling of self-worth, overall mood, and a stronger perception of “self”. 

• Time in nature can lead to physical benefits such as less headaches and a boost to the immune system. 

• Being stimulated by activities in nature, such as squirrels gathering food or birds soaring through the sky, can switch off the front part of the brain which deals with complex thoughts. Putting these thoughts on pause can be challenging, but when regularly accomplished can help prevent chronic diseases, such as heart disease, in the long run. 

• Research shows people who exercise outside throughout the whole year are more likely to maintain the motivation and continue this activity. 

• Physical activity in general has many benefits including lowering fatigue, lowering risk of chronic diseases, boosting immune health, and increasing satisfaction with the tasks we take on each day. 

• Getting out in the sun (when it makes its scarce appearance...) can help regulate our sleep cycles and help boost our mood. So definitely seize the opportunity when you see the sun peaking through the clouds! 

A note on rest 

Although physical activity and uitwaaien do have their benefits. Winter is naturally a time for rest. There is a reason many animal species slow down and hibernate during the colder months. Our ancestors also used the colder months to take a break. Therefore, if you are feeling like you need some more rest this winter, this is your permission to take time to rest as well! Whether it’s taking a break from social media, enjoying a cup of coffee/tea/hot cocoa, spending some time with friends/family, pausing for a nap or whatever else allows you to relax, don’t be afraid to embrace the slower nature of the winter months. One form of rest is sleep, which can have many positive influences on all aspects of well-being. Check out our sleep and naps webpage to learn more. 

Wishing you a fun and refreshing winter! 

Winter can definitely be a tough time for many of us. Those cold, dark days may make it harder to get out of bed. There are, however, many strategies to keep up a lively spirit during the winter months. Whether it’s participating in some uitwaaien or taking some time to rest, I hope these strategies help increase your joyful moments this winter! If you’d like to join some others getting energized with physical activity check out what Outdoor Adventures with RecWell has to offer.

By: Josie Kasmauskis, WIT Peer Educator

Categories: General Wellness Rest Sleep WIT
Posted on Permanent link for Boost Your Energy with "Uitwaaien" This Winter on December 4, 2024.