Don’t let cold and dark stop you from enjoying the Potomac River

running along the c&o canal. photo by potomac conservancy

OK, we admit it. Despite being eager beavers for all things Potomac River and outdoors, we’re getting a little tired of taking the same walks every day to try and stay active during the winter. And the short days and chilly temperatures of January and February aren’t helping.

Yet we all need the mental and physical health benefits of getting outside.

Study after study confirms that fresh air and exposure to natural spaces can relieve stress, reduce blood pressure, boost your immune system, and more. So how can you make the most of it without it feeling like a chore?

We’ve put together 15 tips to get outside and have fun this winter! Learn about cold weather prep, new activities to try, wildlife you can only spot in the winter, and even ways you can give back to our local lands and waters.

photo by geoff livingston via flickr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

Embrace the morning. There’s little daylight after work hours these days, but plenty of time between sunrise and 9 am for a proper outing. Studies have shown that exercising in the morning gives you more energy for the rest of the day, so take advantage of this time to break your snooze button habit and actually watch the sunrise.
Embrace the moonlight. Alright, so you’re not a morning person. Luckily, early nightfall means more time for stargazing (even the kids can join well before bedtime!). Cold air makes for clear skies and local parks tend to be less crowded, which makes winter a prime time for stargazing adventures. Download a stargazing app and look out for planets, entire constellations, or even the Andromeda Galaxy!
Warm up your muscles. Not surprisingly, warming up before exercise is especially critical in winter. Follow this five-minute pre-run routine to reduce your risk of injury.
And know how to warm up. The correct way to warm up after coming inside from the cold may be a little counterintuitive. For example, after cold-water swimming, experts recommend stripping down to your base layers and not taking a hot shower immediately (as warming up too quickly can be damaging). Sipping on a warm drink, however, is perfectly fine (and cozy!).
Get good gear. You don’t need to spend a lot to stay warm, but you do need to stay warm. Good socks, gloves, hats, base layers, and long, insulated outerwear are the key to feeling comfortable (and being safe) outdoors. Take advantage of sales that happen after the holidays, buy used gear, and pick items you love and that will stand the test of time so you don’t have to buy it all again next year.
Donate the old. If you have outgrown or no longer need some of your cold weather clothes, donate them to used clothing stores, clothing drives, or Goodwill to help bring down the cost of good gear for others and reduce waste at the same time.
Learn to repair what you have (or have someone repair it for you). Yep, the cost of winter gear can add up quickly and the clothing industry is hugely wasteful, so take advantage of programs like Patagonia’s Worn Wear to extend the life of your cold weather wardrobe.
Watch for winter birds. Did you know that for some birds, “flying south for the winter” means flying here to the Potomac region? That’s right. There are dozens of species—particularly waterfowl like geese, ducks, and swans—that can only be spotted in the Potomac River region in winter.

a lone Tundra swan with jones point lighthouse in the background. photo by mr.tinmd via flickr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

9. Help over-wintering birds. Whether they’ve just arrived from the north or simply never left, you can help local birds find food and stay warm in the winter. These backyard projects will get you outside for a tolerable amount of time and keep our local bird population biodiverse and abundant.

10. Try alternatives to over-salting (and share them with your friends). We haven’t seen much snow in our region (yet?) but it’s always good to be prepared. The first signs of snowfall often trigger unnecessary over-salting of our local roads that’s harming the Potomac’s water quality. So why not test out environmentally-friendly (and pet-friendly!) methods of de-icing?

11. Become a salt-watch warrior. There’s nothing to distract you from feeling cold like the feeling of taking action. Sign up here to join the Izaak Walton League’s Winter Salt Watch and help protect our local waters and wildlife from road salt pollution.

12. Protect your pup. Thank goodness dogs need to go outside even when it’s wet and cold because they drag us with them. Check out some of the best local hikes to take with your pup and don’t forget about these useful cold weather safety tips for dogs.

Dogs playing in the snow — photo by andre hagenbruch via flickr (CC BY-SA 2.0)

13. Take food to a community pantry. Winter is especially tough on our unhoused community and anyone struggling to feed their family. Change up your daily walk by directing it towards a local community food pantry. Here’s a list of Washington, DC pantries.

14. Take up running or hiking. Remember, local summers are hot, sticky, and getting hotter and stickier. So if you’ve been wanting to try running or hiking, now is really the best time.

15. Or go for a plog! Need your runs to be a little extra fulfilling? Take a garbage bag (and gloves, if you’re not already wearing them) and give yourself a point for every piece of trash you pick up. The Potomac will thank you!

The list doesn’t end here. Next month, be on the lookout for 15 more tips for getting outside despite the low temps and actually enjoying it! ⛄