If you’ve been feeling a bit of “cabin fever” this winter with the colder weather and shorter days of sunlight, boost your mood with a getaway to the Smoky Mountains! The winter temperatures in the Smokies are generally moderate at the lower elevations so that you can get outdoors and enjoy the hiking trails in the national park, all without the crowds of the peak times of year! Here are the top 4 reasons why a winter trip to the Smoky Mountains is good for your mental health:
1. Spending Time in Nature Improves Your Mood
There is no doubt that the natural environment of the Smoky Mountains has an amazing effect on your well-being! According to the American Psychological Association, “spending time in nature is linked to both cognitive benefits and improvements in mood, mental health and emotional well-being”. This is especially true when we have been spending a significant time indoors, so head to the Smokies and explore all the natural wonders that the national park has to offer! Here are just 5 must-visit places in the park during winter in the Smokies!
2. Exposure to Sunlight Releases Serotonin
Another one of the top reasons why a winter trip to the Smoky Mountains is good for your mental health is because of the exposure to sunlight while you’re out on the hiking trails! The exposure to sunlight is thought to increase the brain’s release of a hormone called serotonin, which is associated with boosting mood and making you feel more calm and focused! Before heading out onto the trails, remember that you should still apply sunscreen as a sunburn can still occur during the winter months.
3. Physical Activity Boosts Your Mental Health
Studies have shown that physical activity is one of the best ways to boost your mental health, so explore one of the 150 official hiking trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park this winter! Exercise triggers the release of mood-boosting chemicals like endorphins in the brain, which can significantly reduce stress, boost your mood, alleviate symptoms of depression and improve cognitive function by promoting better blood flow to the brain. Of course, exercise is excellent for your physical health too as it burns calories, reduces your risk of heart diseases and more.
4. Serenity of the Mountains Helps Put Your Mind at Ease
The Smoky Mountains can be a very meditative experience, as the serenity of the Smokies helps put your mind at ease. There is nothing quite like driving along Cades Cove Loop Road when the valley is lightly covered in show, seeing the unique beauty of a frozen waterfall or listening to the sound of fresh snowmelt cascading over the rocks! These unique experiences help to slow your mind and take you away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life back home.
Now that you know why a winter trip to the Smoky Mountains is good for your mental health, it’s time to plan your winter getaway to the Smokies! Along with hiking trails and scenic drives, you’ll also find several other unique things to do in the Great Smoky Mountains in the winter!
