Winter can be a drag for the most part.  Its impact on mental health and creativity, especially during a pandemic, can be debilitating.  Activities are limited: no park hangouts, no casual bike rides, no hitting the beach for some sun. The thought of going through another wave of the pandemic in the deepest winter months is daunting, but with a little planning and warm clothes, we can help beat those winter blues and hopefully generate some creativity for your practice by staying active outdoors. Below is a list of winter activities that range from mild intensity (weekday/everyday activities) to weekend full day trips that will get your heart racing a little faster:

Try carving out at least 30 minutes of outdoor activity a day to keep your mind and heart healthy.

• Go for a walk in your neighbourhood or explore a new one. Tip: invest in warm and comfortable boots, listen to a podcast or invite a friend.
• Have a dog? Taking our furry friends for a walk or to the dog park can be a great way to be present and get your body moving.
• Park hangs can still be doable. Bring a hot beverage, wear snow pants, go tobogganing, play capture the flag. Release your inner 8 year old self!
• Snowshoeing. A calming activity for a Sunday morning walk in the woods.
• Disc Golf – never heard of it before? Check out this video and look up your nearest park to see if there are courses! (Courses are generally maintained in the winter months.)
• Go for a run. Okay, this one takes a bit more courage, but here are some tips from pros to prepare yourself mentally and physically for cold weather running.
• Skating. Check your local rink for opening date and be sure to follow all health and safety protocols during your visit.
• Go cross country skiing. Grab some rentals and hit the city trails or countryside.
• Fat Tire Biking. Very fun and a great workout. You can rent these at cross country courses or mountain bike trails.

As always, keep practicing safe social distancing, wear a mask when close to others and stay home if you’re feeling sick. And don’t forget to reward yourself for going out and being active – you deserve it!

Do you have a great idea on how to stay active this winter? Let us know at content@artsunite.ca or message us at @artsunite_ca on Instagram or Twitter!