The Anti-Stress, Anti-Insomnia Outdoor Workout You Can't Skip This Winter

Once you’re out on the mountain, take a deep breath of fresh mountain air. Whenever I’m outside in winter I always think of that cold, crisp air by the German term, frische Luft. I lived with a German family one winter and they were huge proponents of frische Luft. It was the cure for a cold or whatever else ailed you. If you weren’t feeling well, it was due to a lack of frische Luft and you should open windows in the winter to take in that cure.

Some might be skeptical of this remedy, but I believe there’s something to it. There are numerous studies and articles outlining the benefits of fresh air, and even specifically mountain air. This is due in part to generally cleaner air and less pollution but also some specific factors. Researchers in Japan found that being around pine trees decreased hostility, depression, and stress, in particular, as a result of their scent.

Plus, if nothing else, after a day on the slopes, you get a healthy dose of vitamin-D exposure for combating seasonal affective disorder and boosting your mood. So the next time you’re against a ski trip because you don’t like the cold, turn that negativity around and think of the benefits of getting out of your overheated office and into the mountains.

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https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/the-mental-benefits-of-skiing