December 13, 2024
While the holidays are a time for fun, they can also be a major source of stress. Planning extravagant dinners, finding the perfect gift, spending lots of money, and the constant bombard of advertisements, sales, and consumerism add up to the perfect storm of anxiety. When you’re feeling overwhelmed, getting outdoors is one of the best ways to unplug and reconnect with yourself and your inner peace. Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden is renowned for our beautiful Holidays at the Garden light exhibit, and we encourage everyone to come check it out! We also offer several other relaxing ways to get out in nature, take a break from the madness of your daily routine and just breathe. Here are our top suggestions for finding your path to nature in the winter:
Stroll the gardens during the day
While you’ll likely find a crowd during Holidays at the Garden, visitors to the Garden during the daytime hours find a peaceful, serene environment. Paved paths help you explore plant life and fountains. Plus, if you get chilly, you can warm up in the beautiful Orchid Conservatory and enjoy some lush, tropical plant scenery. Stop by DSBG from noon-4 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday to take in nature’s beauty.
Take a hike
Extend your stroll and take a hike! DSBG offers over six miles of trails on our property. The cool winter air combined with the peaceful rustle of the wind through tree branches offers a welcome escape. Bundle up on a chilly day or check your weather app—40-50 degrees and sunny feels just about magical on our trails. There are multiple benefits to being outside in winter. Wintertime exposure to cold air has been shown to activate the body’s natural defenses, boosting your immune system and increasing circulation. Planning your hike on a sunny day also helps your body produce Vitamin D.
Forest Bathing
Take your hike a step further and enjoy a Forest Bathing session on Thursday, December 19 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Forest Bathing is a three-hour journey out in nature to take it slow and reconnect to the natural world around you—perfect for those feeling burnt out, tired, stressed or anxious. Forest Bathing (also known as the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku) invites you to explore the natural world using your five senses. This is not a hike or naturalist walk; it is simply being in nature, observing your surroundings.
On top of boosting your immune system and increasing circulation and Vitamin D production, Forest Bathing seeks to unlock even more benefits:
- Reducing blood pressure, respiration and heart rate
- Improving mood and sleep
- Increasing energy
- Increasing oxygen to your brain
- Improved sleep
- Access to inhale phytoncides, aka antimicrobial compounds released by trees and plants
During the session, you’re encouraged to wear comfortable clothes and shoes and bring a hat, sunglasses, layers and rain gear, as Forest Bathing is a rain or shine event. You’ll also be walking along dirt or gravel trails and sitting down on the ground. There will be small sit pads available and you’re welcome to bring a yoga mat, towel or blanket. During the three-hour experience, you’ll be guided through a series of mindful exercises and meditative exercises designed to help you connect with nature in a meaningful way. The pace is relaxed and there’s no rush to get anywhere—just an invitation to slow down, breathe deeply, and open up to the sensory landscape of the forest.
Guide Angie Stegall will lead you through the session, focusing on increasing your capacity for empathy and kindness and your ability to think more strategically and creatively. Angie is ANFT Certified Forest Therapy Guide, Certified Martha Beck Wayfinder Life Coach, and a Certified Sparketype ™, Executive LIFE Coach and author. Angie’s approach to forest bathing is not only meditative, but deeply transformative.
This session embraces the peacefulness of winter, offering a restorative and mindful way to connect with nature, clear your mind and recharge your spirit.
Birding Walks
If wildlife speaks to you, join us for a Birding Walk on Friday, December 20. Birdwatching is more than identifying different species of birds; it’s about gaining a deeper appreciation for the delicate balance of our environment. Birdwatching has also been shown to reduce stress, boost your mood and enhance your focus, making it the perfect way to unwind after a long week.
As you stroll through the trails, you’ll be led by Gail Ice, an experienced birder and DSBG volunteer who has spent countless hours observing the birds who call the Garden home. Gail will help you:
- Increase your knowledge of local bird species
- Discover hidden gems and picturesque spots where birds are most likely to be found
- Observe birds in their natural environment in a respectful manner without disturbing their habitats
Know before you go:
- Birding Walks are open to all ages and experience levels.
- Dress in comfortable clothing and shoes appropriate for the weather.
- Pets are not allowed for the safety of wildlife.
- If you’d like to continue exploring the Garden after the Birding Walk, participants without memberships will need to purchase tickets for Garden admission.
- Binoculars are optional, but if you have them, we encourage you to bring them along to enhance your experience.
Want to join us? Grab your binoculars and walking shoes and hit the trails on December 20 (And every other first and third Friday of the month after that)! This event is free and doesn’t require registration; simply meet us at the Visitor Pavilion at 11 a.m.
Treat Yourself
Sometimes after a season of stress, what you really need is some “me time”. The Trailhead Store can help with that. If seeking a cozy, quiet space is more your style, we highly recommend checking out the upstairs of The Trailhead Store. It’s a bit of a hidden gem, but the eclectic, cozy cabin room is perfect for camping out with a book on one of the comfy couches and chairs. Grab a latte or sweet treat and spend a couple of hours relaxing and rewarding yourself for making it through the challenges you’ve faced lately.
Whether you’re ready to hit the trails and embrace the cold or would rather curl up at the cozy Trailhead Store, DSBG offers several ways to take some time for yourself to embrace the peace, tranquility, and mindfulness that are so often overlooked during the holidays. Stay warm and take care of yourself this holiday season!
