Kicking the Winter Blues in Northern Arizona
For many people, winter is a difficult season to navigate. As humans, our circadian rhythm can heavily dictate our schedules, so when the sun rises late and sets early, our bodies and minds alike can be impacted. Moreover, in Northern Arizona, cold temperatures and – at least for the moment – a lack of snow and winter storms can make it easy to feel stuck inside.
However, winter does not necessarily mean hibernation. Even in the absence of snow, there are still many ways to get outside, stay active, and prioritize mental health in order to combat the winter blues.
Mental Health Benefits of Time Outside
No matter the season, time spent outside is greatly beneficial for not only our physical wellbeing, but also our mental health. Time and time again, studies have shown that spending more time outdoors can alleviate stress and anxiety, reduce anger, and boost overall mood. The same is true even when conditions aren’t ideal; in fact, it means that it is more important than ever to make sure we are prioritizing fresh air, sunshine, and movement when and where we can get it.
A 2022 study published by researchers at the University of Essex in the U.K. found that movement outside has significant – and lasting – positive impacts, especially when compared to exercise indoors or in urban environments. In the winter, this can be particularly relevant for anyone who experiences Seasonal Affective Disorder, which is a type of depression that emerges in the shorter, darker days of winter.
For us in Flagstaff, even a short walk or run in Buffalo Park or on the Sinclair Wash Trail can suffice for days in which you are not feeling your best. It may be cold and windy, but a little bit of sunshine goes a long way for your mind and body. Luckily, though, Flagstaff’s location within Arizona lends itself to a plethora of other outdoor destinations and activities if you are looking for a getaway this winter.
Winter Destinations Near Flagstaff
While the higher elevations of Flagstaff proper and the San Francisco Peaks can be bitterly cold in winter, the surrounding desert offers warmer temperatures, making it a great escape for camping, hiking, biking, running, and backpacking. It is important to note, however, that while daytime temperatures may feel very mild, mornings, evenings, and nighttime lows can still get very cold. Be sure to bring adequate layers and gear.
Some great destination for snowless – or at least less snowy – recreation include:
- Sedona: Located about forty-five minutes to an hour from Flagstaff, Sedona is known for imposing red rock formations, the quaint waters of Oak Creek, and countless trails. This makes it an excellent destination for hikers, runners, bikers, and photographers. There are even a few nice areas for dispersed camping in West Sedona.
- Cottonwood: The historic mining town of Cottonwood is located about an hour to an hour and a half from Flagstaff in the scenic Verde Valley. From paddling on the Verde River to mountain biking at Dead Horse State Park, there’s something for everyone.
- Superstition Mountains: Within a three-hour drive south of Flagstaff lie the impressive Superstition Mountains, a rugged chain of desert peaks and valleys that comprise a hiker and backpacker’s paradise. Winter is generally a great time to hike here because there is more water than the exceptionally hot and dry summer months.
- Lees Ferry and Marble Canyon: Located two hours north of Flagstaff on Highway 89A, Lees Ferry marks the divide between the upper and lower Colorado River Basins and is where Grand Canyon rafting outfitters put in for their river trips. With an established campground at Lees Ferry and a number of beautiful desert hikes in the surrounding Marble Canyon, this area makes for a perfect weekend getaway.
- Page: Where Highway 89A makes a westward split toward Lees Ferry, Highway 89 continues further north to Page. About 2 and a half hours driving from Flagstaff, Page is home to world-famous destinations such as Lake Powell, Antelope Canyon, and Horseshoe Bend.
Planning a Trip in the Winter
As already noted, although the desert offers the promise of sun and warmer daytime temperatures, evenings, nights, and mornings can still get quite cold. If you’re planning on a desert trip this winter, make sure to properly prepare yourself:
- Layers: in environments with drastic temperature swings, layering couldn’t be more important. You should carry moisture-wicking baselayers (or next-to-skin layers), a versatile mid-layer (something made from fleece, for example), an insulating layer such as a down or synthetic jacket or hoodie, and a water- and/or windproof outer shell.
- Sleep systems: if you are planning on winter camping in the desert, it’s crucial to have the proper sleep system to accommodate for sub-freezing temperatures. A winter sleeping bag with a temperature rating of at least 20 (depending on the forecast for where you’re going) and an insulated sleeping pad with an R-value of at least 4 will ensure that you stay warm and comfortable while sleeping outside. Also remember that R-values stack, so you can pair an inflatable pad with a thin, lightweight foam pad for extra insulation if you’d like.
Renting Winter Gear from Peace Outfitters
If you do not already own these items, fret not; we’ve got you covered. Peace sells a wide variety of technical apparel as well as sleeping pads and sleeping bags from brands such as Big Agnes, NEMO, Kelty, Therm-a-Rest, and Sea to Summit. Moreover, if you’re not on the market to purchase a sleeping bag or pad, we also offer rentals. Winter sleeping bags (either 0 or 20 degrees) run at $8 per day, while foam sleeping pads and inflatable sleeping pads run at $3 per day and $8 per day, respectively. Check out our rental reservations page for more information or to book equipment: https://peaceoutfittersaz.com/camping/.
Other Strategies for Improved Mental Health During Winter
Other than prioritizing time outside, there are many other methods one can employ to put their mental health first during winter’s shorter days. Ideally, these strategies should be used in conjunction with one another; sometimes, however, it’s enough just to do something small.
- Meditation and mindfulness: The mental health benefits of mindfulness practices have been widely studied and are widely known around the world. For many people, though, this doesn’t necessarily require a deep, daily meditation practice. Even taking a few minutes each day to focus on your breath can go a long way toward helping you feel present. If you are interested in meditation, however, mobile applications such as Headspace and Calm are a great starting point, offering both guided and unguided sessions.
- Healthy eating and sleeping habits: When the colder, darker months bring about seasonal mood changes, it is more important than ever to maintain healthy routines around food and sleep. Nutrient-dense foods rich in vitamins (especially D and B12) can help improve mood, lower the risk of depression, and supplement your body with the energy you miss out on when there is less daylight. Likewise, adequate sleep helps regulate emotions and stress levels, especially during the winter when it can be easy to feel more sluggish or lethargic. Make sure you’re getting 7-9 hours of sleep each night.
- Social connection: If you are someone who finds yourself easily isolated in winter, or if you experience increased difficulty in wanting to leave the house when it’s cold and dark, it’s crucial to ensure that you are still prioritizing time with your loved ones. Social connection is an innate human need, after all. Meeting up with friends for a bite to eat, a drink, a game night, or even a simple group video call can drastically improve your mood and alleviate stress, anxiety, and feelings of isolation.
- Indoor hobbies: Even outdoor recreationists need some indoor time; so this winter, try leaning into your indoor hobbies as well as your outdoor pursuits. Whether it’s reading, writing, cooking, sewing and crafting, playing board games, making art and/or music, or – yes – playing video games, take some time to explore your passions and interests inside the house.
Winter Blues are Temporary!
While we’re praying for snow this winter in Northern Arizona, remember that the mental health impacts of the winter months are only temporary, and that you can find many different ways to stave off the winter blues. Finding time to get outside, whether here in Flagstaff or on a weekend getaway to the desert, and practicing other mental health strategies and techniques can do wonders in positively transforming your winter.
At Peace Outfitters, we’re stoked to help you gear up for all of the above. Our ski shop offers ski and snowboard rentals, our camping reservation program can help you get out safely, and our full retail floor has everything you might need for taking on the winter however you choose – yes, even board and card games. See you out there!