Guest Blog: Beating the Winter Blues on the Trails

This time of year can be especially tough on our mental health. Darker days and chilly temps make staying indoors a common occurrence. However, research shows the key to successfully beating the winter blues is a combination of sunlight, fresh air, and physical activity. Luckily for Casper residents, this recipe of serotonin-boosting ingredients can be found along the Platte River Trails! We consulted Dawn Martinez, MA, PPC from Park Ridge Behavioral Healthcare, to provide her expert advice on beating the winter blues using the trails accessible just outside our front doors.

Exploring trails in and around Casper, Wyoming, offers numerous mental and physical health benefits. It’s no secret spending time outdoors allows us to breathe in fresh, clean air while engaging in physical activity that stimulates the release of feel-good chemicals, like dopamine. Hiking and walking also support the health of your muscles and bones, improve mood, reduce stress, and strengthen your immune system. According to the American Psychological Association, 30% of adults feel less stressed after exercising and 35% report being in a good mood afterward.
 
Additionally, hiking and walking may lower the risk of heart disease, enhance your ability to cope with challenges, and encourage healthier lifestyle choices, which could contribute to a longer lifespan. Embracing this easily accessible outdoor activity can foster a positive mindset and improve your overall quality of life.
 
In addition to the physical and mental health benefits, hiking and walking on the trails provide an opportunity to connect with nature, which has calming effects on the mind. Being surrounded by natural landscapes, like those found on the Platte River Trails, has been shown to reduce anxiety and stress, improve focus, and promote mindfulness. The Japanese have a name for this - shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing. This practice involves engaging all your senses while in nature – that’s right, you can see, smell, hear, touch, and taste your way to calming results.
 
Hiking and walking can also serve as a social activity, allowing a person to bond with friends or family, which further supports emotional and mental well-being. For those who prefer solitude, it offers a chance for quiet reflection and mental clarity. Whether someone is tackling a challenging trail or taking a leisurely walk, the combination of movement, scenery, and fresh air makes hiking a powerful tool for nurturing both mental and physical health.
 
- Dawn Martinez, MA, PPC, Park Ridge Behavioral Healthcare

​Convinced yet? We know winter in Wyoming can make it challenging to get out and enjoy the trails. Sub-zero temperatures and significant snowfall may keep you curled up on the couch with a book (also great for mental health). Once the clouds part and the sun peeks its head out, we strongly encourage you to bundle up and reap the important physical and mental health benefits the trails have to offer.
 
For trail updates this winter, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter where you’ll stay connected to Casper’s outdoor community. See you on the trails!