The serenity of the snow can reduce your stress.
If you’re like most people, you’re facing significant stress right now. You’re coping with the end-of-year crush by wrapping things up at work, putting a bow on projects and managing the holiday hubbub in your personal life as well.
A little serenity is just what you need—and you can find it—in the snow!
The Sound of Silence
When you step outside into the snow and you feel the silence settle around you, it’s not your imagination. Snow has acoustical properties which absorb sound—up to 60% of noise, in fact. This is according to research by the University of Kentucky—and the quiet helps you feel calm and centered.
The peacefulness of the snow also helps you focus in on the sounds of the breeze, the breaking of a branch or the trickle of a nearby stream—and when you hear the sounds of nature, your brain activates the centers which control rest and relaxation, according to research by University of Sussex.
Bottom line: When you need some calm, seek the snow.
The Power of Nature
When you’re in the snow, you’re also close to nature generally—which has powerfully positive effects in reducing stress and enhancing wellbeing. Within nature, you’ll tend to experience better thinking, more connection with your people, more creativity and senses of renewal and inspiration. This is according to a huge research effort which analyzed 301 studies across 62 countries published in Science Advances.
In addition to having a calming outcomes, nature also has energizing effects. At the University of Rochester, participants in a study found when they spent time in nature they experienced increases in their feelings of vitality, resilience and physical health. This was true with as little as 20 minutes per day in nature—helping them feel more optimistic and energetic.
Bottom line: When you need renewal and revitalization, seek nature.
Nature can positively affect your mood and health.
The Impacts of Exercise
Snow can also be the catalyst for activity, exercise and stimulation. Physical activity is closely correlated with happiness and a study of snowboarding and skiing found these activities were linked with people who experienced more happiness, engagement and overall satisfaction, according to Yonsei University.
Whether you’re hiking through the snowy woods, tackling a black diamond or loving the cozy lodge, you are likely improving your mood. Research by New York University found when people had a wide variety of experiences, they tended to feel happier.
And importantly, when you’re happier in your life outside of work, you’ll tend to perceive more happiness within your work. There is a spillover effect—so there is wisdom in finding non-work activities you enjoy.
Bottom line: When you need greater happiness and satisfaction, engage in exercise and a variety of activities.
Experiencing the Effects of Snow—Without Snow
But what if you don’t live in a snowy climate and can’t travel to one? Not to worry, you can enjoy images of snow. An innovative study by the National University of Singapore analyzed over 31,000 photos which had been shared on social media. Those which showed nature and natural settings were linked with greater feelings of joy.
Bottom line: Enjoy snow and nature—however you can.
Get Out There
When things are hectic, snow can be just the solution you need—and nature is an important part of a less chaotic, more fulfilling season. So get out there.
