Snow storms, delayed flights, traffic, last-minute shopping—all little stressors that add up to one big cortisol dump that can leave you feeling tired, angry, and even suppress your immune system. Good news: Nordic skiing can reduce your stress. Here’s how.
1. Repetitive motion is soothing.
The rocking of a chair, a baby’s swing, the click of knitting needles and yes, the kick, glide, pole of Nordic skiing all can soothe a wired brain. These motions activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which quiets the twitchy, jittery fight-or-flight response.
2. You’ll find flow.
An immersive, meditative sport like cross-country skiing can induce a state of flow, a term psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi coined to describe a state of deep absorption in activity when nothing else seems to matter. And flow, Csikszentmihalyi asserts—and decades of research supports—is the secret to happiness.
3. A healing dose of nature awaits.
Numerous studies show that “green” time—time spent in nature or even gazing out a window—lowers stress, improves mental function, and induces calmer, happier states. A recent Stanford University study compared participants who walked for 90 minutes in a park verses 90 minutes in an urban setting, and those who had physical activity in a natural environment more effectively reduced negative thoughts.
4. You’ll keep cortisol in check.
Numerous studies show that “green” time—time spent in nature or even gazing out a window—lowers stress, improves mental function, and induces calmer, happier states. A recent Stanford University study compared participants who walked for 90 minutes in a park verses 90 minutes in an urban setting, and those who had physical activity in a natural environment more effectively reduced negative thoughts.
Go Get Some Zen
Nordic center directors share their favorite trails for a relaxing (not punishing) ski.
1. Beaver Creek Nordic:
Out Morningstar, around Discovery loop, back on Aurora
2. Breckenridge Nordic:
Baby Doe to Gold Digger for an easy warm up on Legend Forest beginner Trails
3. Frisco Nordic:
Up Expressway to RJ's Vista and onto Olympian’s Link
4. Keystone Nordic:
Easy Does It
5. Devil's Thumb Nordic:
Loop of Ranch Walk to Broken Barn, Start Green to Meadow