We all know that time outside and nature connection helps both our physical and mental health.
But when winter means cold wet and darker days, hibernating indoors can seem a more attractive option than heading outside.
We would love you to join us on our countdown to Christmas with a few quick and easy ways to cultivate curiosity, notice nature, and slow down and feel more connected during the winter season.
Practise noticing nature
Research shows that simply noticing nature can improve wellbeing and help us feel more positive, even in winter.
Our first nature connection exercise is all about noticing. Slow down and pay attention to the small details around you — frost on grass, clouds moving overhead, birds calling, or trees you pass every day.
Use different senses to connect with your surroundings
Our connection countdown to Christmas covers a few simple steps to notice nature and feel grounded this winter. Sensory connection helps us feel present, grounded and calm.
Our next invitation is to fully use your senses outdoors. Listen to the wind or birdsong, feel the cold air on your skin, notice earthy winter smells, and take in the shapes and textures around you.
What stories do rocks tell?
Notice the stones beneath your feet.
Find a rock with an interesting texture or color. The color and texture of a rock can hint at its origin—sedimentary rocks often form in rivers or seas, while igneous rocks come from cooled lava. Do a little research to know a little more about the area that you go walking each day, and understand what your footsteps add to each day.
Make time for a mindful winter walk
Even a short walk can help clear your head, lift your mood and create a sense of calm during busy days.
Wrap up warm and head outside for a mindful winter walk today. Winter landscapes can be surprisingly rich, from the crunch of fallen leaves underfoot to the shape of bare branches against the sky.
Bring nature inside
Even small touches of nature inside can support wellbeing and make indoor spaces feel calmer and more uplifting.
When days are shorter, bringing nature indoors can help us stay connected. Plant bulbs to bloom early, care for a winter flowering plant or enjoy the colour from a few evergreen branches in a winter wreath.
Try nature photography
Photography encourages us to slow down and notice details we might otherwise miss, helping us connect more deeply with our surroundings.
Try capturing nature through a camera or phone. Look for winter colours, textures, patterns or light — from frosty leaves to dramatic skies.
Look for colours
Noticing colour helps us see winter landscapes in a new way and reminds us that nature is full of life all year round.
Winter isn’t just grey. Look out for colour in nature — red berries, green moss, pale lichens, golden grasses or changing skies.
Create a seasonal nature projects
Returning to the same places over time helps build a deeper connection with nature and gives us something positive to look out for during winter.
Try following a seasonal nature project, such as noticing changes in trees, learning the names of birds on your walk, or observing weather patterns on your regular commute. Try joining in with our #SignsOfSpring citizen science project starting on the 5th January.
Stargaze on a clear night
Looking up at the night sky can reduce stress and promote mindfulness. Stargazing encourages you to slow down, breathe deeply, and feel a sense of wonder—boosting mood and lowering anxiety.
Long winter nights are perfect for spotting constellations and planets. Wrap up warm, step outside, and look up. Can you find Orion’s Belt or the North Star? If you’re stuck on the names, try our night sky guide to help identify what you see.
Engage in group nature events
Spending time in nature with others supports wellbeing, builds community and can make winter feel more social and uplifting.
Nature connection can be even more powerful when shared. Think about joining a group walk, a local outdoor activity or invite friends and family to step outside with you. You can also share everything you have learned about the benefits of being outside this winter.
Are you following a nature project this season? Or have you tried captruing the winter views recently by taking your camera on your next walk?
Share what you’ve noticed or what colour caught your eye today.
Wishing you a very Happy Christmas from us all at Field Studies Council.