Are you living in an area of the world that’s been inundated with snow and/or way-too-cold temps? I kind of like winter … until I’m freezing! Or sliding about on foot or tires. Or, well, then grumbling and wanting nothing more than to stay in my bed with a good book. Problem is, that’s going to feel nice for a while (and I totally still do it at times), but you need some balance to stay well.

Winter often causes you to hunker in for the duration. It’s gray, cold and dreary, and you begin to feel — gray, cold and dreary. Unmotivated. More tired. More likely to reach for a not-so-good energy boost like sugar or caffeine or an energy drink. Not good. Gray, cold, dreary behavior is going to lead to an unwell you.

Guess what will help? Guess what, totally proven in a study, will keep you healthier all winter? Help you escape the common respiratory illnesses we often suffer from at this time of year? Go for a walk. No, I’m not kidding. Gray, cold, dreary or not, head out for a brisk walk. Even a real short one. You’ll feel better. In minutes. No cost. No risk to your health. A walk reduces stress, which makes you ill. The cold increases your energy. The fresh air is healthier for you than stale indoor air. Cells that fight infection increase when you go out in the cold.

We more naturally go for a stroll when it’s beautiful out. (And if you live where it’s beautiful out, seriously … go for a nice, brisk walk and enjoy that stuff people!) We tend to think it’s not worth it when we have to put on 10 layers and brave the cold. But, you know what? It is worth it. You’ll have more energy, your head will clear, you’ll feel happier. You’ll feel … well. Try it; see. I bet you come in feeling better, and that’s your sign that something is going right.

The power healing effect of your two feet and nature — immeasurable. And free. And safe. And magical.