SPRING Into the Outdoors!

How to motivate yourself to get out and play during the damp part of Spring

Spring has finally sprung here in Minnesota!  

While other areas of the country are already in full bloom, people have been wearing t-shirts and shorts for a while now; here in Minnesota, we still have our Winter gear out and are likely shoveling newly fallen snow every so often!

How can you stay motivated to get out and play in the cold, damp, and messy environment, whether you have a lot of mud or water that can be a barrier to having a delightful time?

Whether you are into Spring hiking, late-season skiing, or just getting out for a stroll in your neighborhood, here are some tips for staying motivated in the damp, wet, muddy, and chilly in-between season, where Winter would like to hold on!

1. Choose the right outerwear and layer, layer, layer

Wearing the right outerwear can make or break it for you! A waterproof jacket, pants, and boots are essential! Wool socks, too, because even if water gets your socks wet, your feet will likely stay warm with wool socks on! If the temperature is warm enough, rain pants, a raincoat, and a pair of rain boots with neoprene would be appropriate, with layers underneath, like a thermal top/bottoms and a fleece top that you can take off if you get too warm.

2. Bring a warm beverage

Pack a little daypack with a Nalgene or thermos filled with a hot drink like tea or hot chocolate for your outing. It will help keep you warm and hydrated at the same time! Another tip is to pack a treat to enjoy after coming off the trail, like a nice chocolate bar or brownie. Something you thoroughly want that you can look forward to once your adventure is complete!

3. Pack a dry change of clothes and shoes

Bring a dry change of clothes with you so that when you return to your car after your outing, you can change out of any damp clothing and into some nice dry ones! You will feel warmer almost immediately! Replace muddy, wet boots or hikers with some dry shoes and socks. Your feet will thank you!

4. Don’t forget to sunscreen and wear a hat

Even though it’s March, the sun is at a higher point in the sky now, and the rays are getting more intense, day by day. Don’t forget to protect your skin exposed with sunscreen and cover your face with a hat of some sort. Sunglasses will help reduce glare and also protect your eyes.

5. Invite a friend

Everything is more fun with a friend! To stay motivated, find a buddy to do outdoor stuff with. Call the friend who is usually up for anything and invite them to join you on your Spring hike! It will be a fantastic shared experience you can remember for years. Maybe after, you can enjoy a coffee or beer together at a coffee shop or brewery, talk about all the cool stuff you saw on the hike, and plan future adventures.

Don’t let the early Spring chills keep you inside! There is so much magic outside in early Spring.  

Be a witness to the transformation from the dormant season of quiet, going within, to the life force season of Spring.

Please share your outing with me below! 👇