Five Natural Ways to Feel More Alive

“These are very holistic ways to feel alive, to feel more vigorous and connected,” said Jason Conover, a licensed clinical social worker at the Utah Valley Psychiatry and Counseling Clinic. “We can get caught up in trying to fix depression, but an alternative that Positive Psychology suggests may be more helpful, is focusing on the desired outcome or result. The negative can keep nagging, so strive to focus on the desired outcome and engage in positive, healthy activities. Building positive connections with joyful activities in all seasons is a way to have something to look forward to year round.”

Here are the five things Conover said anyone can do to break through the bleakness of winter and spruce up their outlook on what’s ahead:

1. Bask in the sun: Sunshine is a great natural mood booster — it makes people feel better, regardless of the season. Find time to be in the sun every day, even 10 minutes is very helpful. It’s worth getting up in the mountains when there’s an inversion in the valley. You may find it’s beautiful up high with bright sun and blue skies. Conover calls this the “Summer of Winter.”
2. Leave technology behind: Technology can be useful, but it lacks the centering or balancing power of nature. Conover points out there’s a quality to being connected to the earth at its most basic level that helps us feel peace and think about the big picture. Spend time in the mountains or anywhere in nature. Sit by a river or walk on the grass with bare feet.
3. Take the plunge: Research is showing that plunging into cool water is an antidepressant. Cold showers are great to reap this benefit. Additionally water seems to have some healing properties in both its sound and touch. Play by the river, go swimming — enjoy water’s soothing quality. Conover adds you can put your hands or your face into cold water to trigger the “Mammalian Diving Reflex,” which helps rebalance and calm.
4. Dig in the dirt: Connecting with the earth helps you feel like a part of creation. As plants grow and change, you realize you can too. Forget our clean culture for a while and get a little dirt under your nails. Find something to plant and you’ll end up with a fruitful harvest for your mental well-being.
5. Breathe it in: Young people are eager to get outside, as any elementary school teacher can testify. Being active outdoors ties two import things together — increased oxygen levels and elevated heart rate. Even short periods of moderate walking outdoors has been proven to have positive results.

Conover said each of the activities can be done alone, but an extra emotional boost can come from connecting with others. They can also be done as a way to augment therapy or medication for mental health challenges.