Simple Ways To Stay Happy During Winter

Disclosure: Affiliate link included. Purchases made through my links cost you nothing extra, but could earn this site a small fee.

My goal is always to have a simple life. That’s not usually possible, but I love working at it. Simple living is great because it helps us to be more content. Contentment definitely breeds happiness, which is what we all want. Sometimes in the dark days of winter, it’s a little harder to feel happy.

Many people suffer from SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) which is caused partly by a lack of sunshine. With short winter days, the lack of sunlight can bring about depression or sadness. Even if you don’t have SAD, there could be days when you feel down. This could bring about tiredness, changes in appetite, and sleeping problems.

It can be helpful to discuss these types of problems with your doctor. But, there are also plenty of things that you can do on your own to make yourself feel more happy during the winter months. Creating habits that can boost your mood will pay long dividends.

Sleep Habits

You probably have been told this before, but to have great sleep it’s important to be on a schedule. Set your alarm clock for the same time every morning and try to go to sleep at the same time each night. This habit will get your body used to a schedule and it should help you to be more rested.

Leave the House

Winter days are cold! Sitting in the house day after day can isolate us and make us feel lonely and depressed. Don’t just sit there….get up and get out. If it’s cold, bundle up and go outside. Walk your dog or walk with a friend. Meet a friend for coffee or at the gym. These simple ideas will leave you feeling happy and connected.

Make A List

Do you have a To-Do List? Everyone does, and sometimes looking at the never-ending list can be depressing. Make a list from the list. Take your master list and remove a few of the items, putting them on a separate list. Find the thing that you want to accomplish most and put it on the top of your new list.

When I was young, I pushed myself to do something on my list every single day. But, I learned that this can take a simple life and turn it into a stressed existence. Choose items for your list that will bring you happiness. Then, try to do something that you can enjoy. Celebrate every thing that you complete.

Laugh

Laughter is fun! If you’re laughing you are feeling happy. What makes you laugh? You could watch hilarious movies, play fun board games, read or tell jokes, watch youtube videos, have tickle parties, and more.

Friends and Family

Because I live far from my family, I basically live for Snapchats, Messages, and FaceTime. Seeing pictures and videos of my grandchildren is the highlight of every day. I don’t get them every single day, but it’s quite often. If winter or the pandemic has kept you away from your friends and family, don’t hesitate to use all the tech to keep in touch. Video calls or sharing photos is the next best thing to being there. You will definitely feel more happy.

Volunteer

There’s nothing like taking your mind off of your problems! One of the best ways to do this is to help others. Serving others brings you so much happiness as you are bringing happiness to others. It’s one of my favorite things to do by myself or with my family by my side.

Self Care

Pampering yourself isn’t a bad thing. It can make you feel like a whole new person when you climb out of that bubble bath. Make yourself feel special when you light a candle and read a heart-warming book. Self-care can be very elaborate and expensive or it can be simple and free. What makes you feel spoiled and beautiful? Do one of these things on a regular basis to create lots of smiles and inner happiness.