Beat the winter blues - go outdoors Bill Cooper for 1-10-24 The holidays are over. That is a big problem for millions of Americans as the winter blues begin to set in. Feelings of depression, loneliness and despondency plague multitudes of people. And it’s not uncommon for most people to feel a little down after the holidays. Most everyone has heard of “the winter blues,” a term people used to talk about feeling down during that time of the year when the sun sets at 4 pm and you just want to curl up in a ball and watch TV all by yourself. Researchers have noted some people suffer from Seasonal Depression Disorder, also referred to by the acronym SAD. SAD is a type of depression that usually shows up during the winter months, when the days run shorter and light is harder to come by. Whether you are experiencing SAD, or simply feeling a little down and unmotivated to do anything, remember that cold temperatures are outside and snuggly blankets and hot chocolate are inside. Simple exercise and exposure to sunlight can help the blues and you can still come in to enjoy the blanket and hot chocolate after you are cheered up. All kidding aside, going outdoors and enjoying some fresh air and sunshine and some fun outdoor activities can work miracles for your mental health, as well as your physical and spiritual well being. Following is a list of outdoor activities which can easily be enjoyed in the Missouri Ozarks. 1. Take a Walk - It sounds almost too simple. Taking a walk is only a matter of going out the door for most of us. Whether it is walking around the block, down a country road, or traveling a short distance to a city, county, or state park, they each have the same effect. The mere exercise, fresh air and sunshine are good for us. Every morning, earlier than most people would agree too, about 4 a.m., I exit our back door with three Yorkie dogs and cavort around the back yard. I throw a ball, chase them around and in general have a good time. It’s a great start to a new day. I make several of these short trips outdoors each morning, and make sure to spend the last minutes of darkness on the back porch with a cup of coffee while the sun rises. I do a bit of reflection and give thanks for the opportunity to enjoy another day. It’s a great spiritual tonic. Decades ago walking for pleasure was the number one outdoor recreation pursuit in the nation. Then it became driving for pleasure. I think couches are heavily involved in our number one pursuit these days. Beyond the easy walks, most of us are close to developed trails where it would be easy to walk for a few minutes, or an entire day. I live only minutes from a section of the Ozark Trail in Crawford County. I can walk short sections, or plan an all day trip, which takes me from high, Ozark ridges covered with oak-hickory forests and all the associated wildlife like deer, turkey, and squirrels, down to the river bottoms and Huzzah Creek, Courtois Creek and the Meramec River. Inspiration and visual stimulation are at every turn in the trail. To find a trail near you Google trails of Missouri, or go to: https://www.trailfinder.info/ or https://ozarktrail.com/. You’ll be happy you did. 2. Take a Float - A short float on an Ozark stream during winter is a trip to remember. Few other people are out there and you can experience true solitude at times. Too, the leaves are gone and you will be able to see magnificent bluffs, caves, springs and rock shelters that are not easily visible the rest of the year. Wildlife is abundant along our rivers, too. You may see deer, wild turkey, squirrels, mink, otters, beaver and more. One of the most spectacular sights, which is common anymore, is Bald Eagles soaring high overhead. In my area alone there are a score of canoe livery businesses which will put you on the water in a canoe or kayak. Huzzah Valley Resort, Bass River Resort, Ozark Outdoors, Garrisons and the Rafting Company are just a few. They serve the Huzzah, Courtois, and Meramec. 3. Stay in a Cabin - A cold weather stay in a cabin away from home is a great refresher. The coziness, quietness and simplicity of cabin life helps recharge the spirits. And there is no shortage of places to stay in the Ozarks. Many canoe rentals also offer cabin rentals. Both Montauk State Park and Meramec State Park offer cabins for rent. Lost Creek Guest Ranch is just across Highway 8 from Maramec Spring Park and offers a variety of cabin choices back in the woods. Check them out at: https://www.facebook.com/LostCreekGuestRanch/ 4. Go Fishing - Far too many people are fair weather fishermen. Some of the best fishing of the year occurs during the winter months. We have an abundance of trout and smallmouth bass waters in our region and some of the best crappie, walleye and largemouth bass lakes in the nation. Maramec Spring Park, Montauk State Park, and Bennett Spring State Park are in their catch and release winter trout programs now. It’s easy to fish for a half hour or all day. Too, the spring branches in these parks are a sight to behold. Each is fed by a large spring, which are worth the hikes to see as well. Combine a float trip with a fishing trip for an all day outing on one of our area rivers, or head to Lake of the Ozarks for crappie and largemouth bass. Stockton Lake is on fire right now for both crappie and walleye. Check out this podcast about Tandem Fly Outfitters on Stockton. https://audioboom.com/posts/8373204-stockton-lake-crappie-with-kris-nelson. You’ll want to book a trip. Regardless of what your outdoor activity of choice happens to be, get outdoors and enjoy God’s creation. It’ll rid you of the winter time blues.