Via Community News Service, a University of Vermont journalism program
BURLINGTON – This has been a winter for the record books, with Lake Champlain freezing over for the first time in seven years and long stretches of below-freezing weather. However, the days are getting longer and the birds are getting louder, signaling spring.
As the colder temperatures go away, so does the risk of seasonal affective disorder. It is defined by the National Alliance on Mental Illness as a form of depression that occurs typically in late fall to early spring and affects up to 20% of the U.S. population. This “slump” is a seasonal pattern caused in part by shorter, darker days and is remedied by sunlight.
Whether it’s sunny or cloudy, being outside has many benefits, both mentally and physically, said Laurie Emerson, executive director of NAMI Vermont.
“It’s so important to take care of your mental health, just like you take care of your physical health,” she said. “They’re both really integrated.”
People cannot have a healthy body without a healthy mind and vice versa, said Emerson.
“If you’re not feeling well mentally it does affect your body,” she said. “Your body can exhibit different things like pain, stress or things that create other physical symptoms if you’re not taking care of your mental wellbeing.”
Consistency is key when it comes to being active and strengthening mental health, she added.
After a cold winter, it is important to get outside and soak in the sunshine. On a recent afternoon, longtime Vermont resident Kirsten Rickert was working out at one of the six fitness stations along the Burlington Greenway next to Lake Champlain. She exercises for both her physical and mental wellbeing, and she’s passionate about being outdoors.
“The ability to be able to reset and recharge while being outdoors is great for my sanity and mental health,” Rickert said.
Burlington Parks, Recreation, & Waterfront manages over 500 acres of green spaces open to the public. The fitness trail is just one of the many amenities available. A full list can be found at Burlington Parks and Facilities Finder.
Getting outside looks different to everyone, said Kirsten Santor, recreation program manager at Burlington Parks and Rec.
“There are so many benefits to getting outdoors and warmer weather just makes that easier,” Santor said. “The key is that there isn’t a ‘right’ way to be outside. Even just sitting in the fresh air has benefits.”
Shifts in weather can change more than just the seasons. “Our bodies naturally respond to the changing of the seasons, so spring is a great time to get more aligned with the natural world by being outside” Santor said.
Along with green spaces, camps and activities for both children and adults are available in Burlington and other local communities. The City of Burlington activities list ranges from youth sports, full and half-day camps for children, and event art camps with options such as oil painting and clay throwing. In total, there are 142 youth camps, 54 adult programs, and 23 programs for people ages 50-plus.
For Emerson, getting outside and being active for mental health looks different each day and ranges from going to the gym to just getting her hands in the dirt, gardening.
“This isn’t from a textbook, but I love being outside, and when I go outside, I always feel better when the sun is shining. It’s all those things put together that just make you feel better,” Emerson said.
Burlington Parks and Rec offers scholarships to make programs affordable. Applications are available here.