Walking in a Winter Wonderland

Yes, it's cold. Sure, there's the snow and ice. But research shows that these conditions make strolling this season all the more healthful-delivering a higher calorie burn, better overall health, less stress, and even a sunnier mood.

- ISABEL BURTON

Chaya Harris, a former public school teacher, considers outdoor walks to be an essential part of her self-care routine. These walks ground me and allow me to release any tension or stress I’m feeling. Walking reminds me of the small wonders in life, like the birds chirping,” she says. In fact, Harris so believes in the physical and psychological power of walking and spending time outdoors, she’s taken on the role of national program director for Outdoor Afro, an organization committed to celebrating Black connections and leadership in nature. There, she leads 100plus volunteers in outdoor adventures.

Harris has the right idea, according to a range of experts. Taking walks can levelup your health; do it outside and you'll reap a whole host of additional benefits. But what about as the weather gets colder? Well, it turns out that if you wander in the winter, when the temps are low and the conditions a bit harsher, your body and brain gain significant, long-lasting upgrades. Here, everything you need to know about braving the cold for a stroll.

WALKING IS GREAT EXERCISE

Besides burning calories and maintaining muscle, just two and a half hours of walking a week 21 minutes a day!) is enough to bump up your heart health, lower blood pressure, and reduce the odds of certain cancers and chronic disease, according to a report published by Harvard Health. And the physical perks manifest in more surprising ways as well. Research shows that body weight on your feet while exercising compresses the major arteries, increasing blood flow to the brain,” explains Joanna Hall, a walking coach and the creator and founder of WalkActive, an educational walking program.