Snow or shine: Why leaving the house matters

Embracing the cold: why getting outside is an essential aspect of your health, especially in the winter months!

Photo by Jacquie Traenkle/The Barnard Bulletin

By Ellie Koff

December 21, 2025

As the days get shorter and colder, the urge to retreat to your dorm room may dominate your life. You may want to just sit in your comfiest pajamas with a warm blanket instead of facing the brisk winter air. However, health experts argue that embracing the outdoors, even when it is freezing, is not just a nice idea, it is essential for our physical and mental well-being. This winter, challenge yourself to adopt the “snow or shine” mentality to avoid that familiar seasonal slump. 

For many, the shift to winter brings on symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression linked to the change in seasons, according to the Mayo Clinic. The Mayo Clinic identifies some common symptoms of SAD, which include social withdrawal, school or work problems, substance abuse, mental health disorders like anxiety and eating disorders, and suicidal thoughts or behaviors. It is important to be aware of these symptoms, and make a plan to help combat these feelings before they become overwhelming. One major factor that contributes to SAD is a vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D can be acquired through exposure to natural light, so by simply spending some time outdoors, you can boost serotonin levels in your body and actively combat SAD. 

The benefits of just being outside are astronomical. Exposure to natural light plays a critical role in regulating our circadian rhythms, which dictate our sleep-wake cycles. During winter, reduced sunlight can disrupt these rhythms, leading to fatigue and mood changes, according to the National Library of Medicine. Spending even a short amount of time outside helps anchor our internal clocks, promoting better sleep quality at night and alertness during the day. 

Beyond natural light, physical activity is equally important. The cooler weather should not be a barrier to exercise; in fact, many would argue that the crisp air invites a better climate for an outdoor run or walk around the neighborhood. It does not have to be anything strenuous — even a simple walk down Broadway or the West End will be enough to release endorphins, which are your body’s natural mood elevators. By taking a half-hour out of your day to move outside, you will be actively fighting that seasonal slump. 

So grab your coat, feel the cool air on your face, and remember that there are so many exciting things you can do in the city before retreating to your dorm room. Being outside, even in the cold, has so many benefits for your health and well-being, so go embrace the city this winter!