By Bev Bachel
A growing body of research, coupled with anecdotal evidence from seasoned outdoor enthusiasts, is illuminating the profound and multifaceted benefits of spending time in nature, regardless of the season. From enhanced mental clarity and reduced stress to improved physical health markers, the call of the wild is proving to be a powerful tonic for well-being, particularly as individuals navigate life transitions like retirement. Chris Heeter, founder of The Wild Institute, a prominent organization dedicated to fostering a deeper connection with the natural world, highlights a spectrum of advantages. These include increased happiness, diminished anxiety, heightened feelings of calm, lower blood pressure, improved concentration, a reduction in loneliness and irritability, and a greater capacity for short-term memory recall. These benefits are not merely theoretical; they represent tangible improvements that can significantly enhance an individual’s quality of life.
Heeter’s expertise is rooted in decades of experience leading wilderness expeditions. Her work has spanned various environments and seasons, from summer canoe trips to winter journeys with sled dogs, a passion she has cultivated through breeding, raising, and training Alaskan huskies. Beyond her direct engagement with the wilderness, Heeter translates her profound understanding of nature’s impact into her role as a professional speaker. Through her presentations, she advocates for the integration of "wildness" into daily routines, emphasizing its accessibility and relevance irrespective of external conditions.
This philosophy resonates deeply with individuals like Tami Spry and Barry Scanlan, a retired couple who have embraced the outdoors in ways that defy conventional expectations, demonstrating that a connection to nature can thrive even within a bustling urban landscape.
From Rural Roots to Urban Embrace: Redefining Nature’s Influence
In a trend often observed among retirees seeking tranquility, many choose to relocate from metropolitan areas to more secluded, rural communities. However, Spry and Scanlan embarked on a contrasting journey. After raising their son on a 10-acre property along the Rum River, approximately 60 miles north of the Twin Cities, where they meticulously cultivated their surroundings—building an outdoor oven, a dock, and creating walking and snowshoe trails—they made the deliberate decision to move into the heart of the Twin Cities, a metropolitan area encompassing 3.5 million residents. This move, they explain, was driven by a desire to avoid isolation in their retirement.
"We raised our son on 10 acres on the Rum River in a rural community about 60 miles north of the Twin Cities," Spry recounts. "We landscaped our property, built an outdoor oven and a dock, cleared walking and snowshoe paths through our woods and felled our own Christmas trees." This idyllic rural existence, which they affectionately refer to as "The Land," was deeply cherished. Yet, the couple sought a different kind of engagement in their retirement years.
"It’s our therapy," Scanlon states, underscoring the vital role the outdoors plays in their lives. "We need it, and we enjoy it!" Their decision to move to the city was a conscious effort to foster a more connected social environment. "We didn’t want to be isolated in retirement, which is why we moved," Spry elaborates. Despite their urban setting, they maintain a profound reverence for the natural world. "Even living in the city, we still consider our land and the land around us a member of our family, and we get outside as often as we can."
This commitment to nature is evident in their daily lives. Scanlan shares his observations of the local wildlife, even in the harshest winter conditions. "Even when it’s 20 below, it’s surprising what you see when you take the time to look. The other day we saw a coyote crossing the street, and we often see otters, ducks and swans on our neighborhood lakes and rivers, as well as juncos, robins and woodpeckers in our yard." Their dedication to nurturing their local environment is further exemplified by their proactive efforts to attract more wildlife. They have strategically planted trees, installed birdhouses, and created a butterfly-friendly garden, aiming to enhance biodiversity in their urban surroundings.
Spry, who is currently authoring a book exploring her personal connection with the natural world, emphasizes the importance of cultivating an individual relationship with nature. "Having a relationship with nature involves letting go of your expectations of what ‘nature’ is and instead developing your own relationship with it," she advises. "The tree in your backyard is as grand and life-giving as a tree in the Boundary Waters or Muir Woods, but much more accessible." This perspective democratizes access to nature’s restorative powers, suggesting that profound connections can be forged in the most accessible of settings.
Embracing the Elements: Winter Outdoor Engagement Strategies
The allure of outdoor activity naturally intensifies during warmer months. However, for residents of Minnesota, a state renowned for its extended and often severe winter seasons, embracing the outdoors requires a more intentional approach. Chris Heeter, along with Spry and Scanlan, offer practical strategies for maximizing outdoor experiences even amidst sub-zero temperatures.
Tip No. 1: Strategic Layering and Essential Gear
The foundation of successful winter outdoor engagement lies in appropriate attire. Heeter stresses the critical importance of investing in high-quality, warm gear. "Warm mittens are a must," she asserts, "as are warm boots with plenty of wiggle room for your toes, even when they’re encased in two pairs of wool socks." Layering clothing is another key principle, allowing for adjustment based on activity level and ambient temperature. To streamline the process of venturing outdoors, Heeter suggests a practical organizational tip: keeping all winter gear together in a designated, easily accessible location, such as a laundry hamper or a wicker basket. This proactive measure minimizes the friction often associated with preparing for cold-weather excursions.
Tip No. 2: Reinterpreting Comfort in Cold Climates
The initial shock of cold air can be disorienting. Heeter addresses this by reframing the experience of cold exposure. "The cold can sometimes take your breath away," she acknowledges. "But take a few deep breaths, drop your shoulders, relax your muscles and get moving, and you’ll be surprised at how quickly you warm up." This advice highlights the body’s remarkable adaptive capabilities and the role of conscious relaxation and physical activity in mitigating the perceived discomfort of cold. Engaging in movement not only generates body heat but also can lead to a sense of accomplishment and resilience.
Tip No. 3: Prioritizing Proximity and Accessibility
The perception that meaningful nature experiences are confined to remote wilderness destinations can be a significant barrier to entry. Heeter challenges this notion, advocating for the utilization of local resources. "Some people think the only way to spend time in nature is by camping in the wilderness, which can require hours of driving just to set foot outdoors," she observes. Instead, she recommends exploring nearby parks. "She suggests you drive (or better yet, walk!) to the nearest park where you’ll find plenty of birds, rabbits, deer and other animals to get excited about." This approach aligns with Spry and Scanlan’s routine, which involves walks that lead them past neighborhood gardens to the Mississippi River, a natural amenity just a few blocks from their home. This emphasis on local exploration underscores the principle that nature’s wonders are often closer than we imagine.
Tip No. 4: Cultivating Sensory Awareness
In an era dominated by digital distractions, Heeter and Scanlan advocate for a conscious effort to disconnect from external stimuli and tune into the natural world. "Resist the temptation to listen to music or podcasts while walking," Heeter advises. "Instead, tune in to nature." This deliberate act of sensory engagement allows for a deeper appreciation of the subtle details of the environment. "When we turn our ears and eyes to the natural world, we see so much more," Heeter explains. "And we begin to feel as if we belong." Scanlan’s practice of keeping an outdoor journal—documenting wildlife sightings, snowfall, and the first signs of spring—serves as a testament to this principle. This mindful observation not only enriches the experience but also fosters a profound sense of connection and belonging.
Tip No. 5: Reclaiming Playfulness and Shared Experiences
The transformative power of outdoor engagement is amplified by embracing a spirit of play. Heeter encourages participants to shed inhibitions and reconnect with their childlike sense of wonder. "Go off trail, make a snow angel, build a snowperson, start a snowball fight," she suggests. "Let yourself be a kid again—and spread the joy by inviting others to join in." Spry and Scanlan exemplify this by utilizing their backyard firepit for gatherings, fostering community and shared enjoyment of the outdoors. This communal aspect of outdoor activity can further enhance its psychological benefits, creating shared memories and strengthening social bonds. Heeter also extends this invitation to joy through her monthly poems, published on The Wild Institute’s website, which are designed to inspire individuals to cultivate or rekindle their relationship with the wild. Her poem, "A Winter Walk," serves as a poignant example of this endeavor, inviting readers to find beauty and wonder in the winter landscape.
Broader Implications for Well-being and Longevity
The insights offered by Heeter, Spry, and Scanlan are not merely personal anecdotes; they align with a growing body of scientific evidence supporting the restorative effects of nature. Research published in journals such as Environmental Science & Technology and The Lancet Planetary Health has consistently linked time spent in natural environments to reduced levels of cortisol (a stress hormone), lower incidence of depression and anxiety, and improved cardiovascular health. For instance, a study conducted by the University of Exeter found that individuals who spent at least 120 minutes a week in nature reported significantly higher levels of well-being and vitality compared to those who did not.
The implications of this connection are particularly relevant for an aging population. As individuals transition into retirement, they often face challenges related to social isolation, decreased physical activity, and shifts in purpose. The principles championed by The Wild Institute and embodied by individuals like Spry and Scanlan offer a proactive framework for addressing these challenges. By fostering an ongoing relationship with nature, retirees can cultivate resilience, maintain physical and mental acuity, and discover new avenues for social engagement and personal fulfillment. The accessibility of nature, even within urban settings, democratizes these benefits, suggesting that a fulfilling and healthy retirement is achievable for a wide spectrum of individuals, regardless of their geographical location or past lifestyle. The call to "Get Wild," therefore, is an invitation to a more vibrant, balanced, and ultimately, happier existence.
