5 Ways To Stay Happy In The Winter

I have a confession to make: I really struggle in the Winter time.  The cold weather and the short days really take a physical, mental and emotional toll on me, and I have a hard time with finding the motivation to do anything.  Some may simply chalk it up to the winter blues, but after experiencing this fatigue season after season I knew I had to break the cycle and really make an effort to experience happiness during the Winter.  I have a few tips and trick that I rely on to keep my spirits up doing the frigid season.

1. Get Outside

It may seem counter-intuitive, but I really make an effort to get outside during the Winter season.  With daylight at a premium, I take every opportunity to absorb the sun's rays and get some natural Vitamin D when I can.  The outdoor activity doesn't have to be anything too strenuous - sometimes, just getting out for a walk during my lunch breaks can mean the difference between a good or bad afternoon.

2. Stop to Smell the Poinsettias 

Wintertime can truly be beautiful, especially if you're in an area of the world that gets snow - like we do in Canada.  While I'm making the effort to be outdoors, I also take the time to admire the natural beauty that surrounds me.  I make a conscious effort to look past a slushy, dirty road and instead admire a snowy pine tree, or how the light catches icicles and makes them sparkle.  Documenting the beauty of nature by snapping a photo or two on my phone doesn't hurt anything  either - in fact, it motivates me to seek out these beautiful landscapes even more!

3. Hot Tea, Hot Chocolate, Hot Everything!

As a self described gin and tonic kind of lady, I'm usually one to place a good cocktail above most other things in life - especially a non-alcoholic hot drink.  That all changes in the wintertime, when I consciously limit my alcohol consumption and instead switch it up for a steaming mug of goodness.  There is honestly something so soothing, and soul-warming about a hot beverage - particularly a good tea.  I stock up on loose leaf tea and hot chocolate mixes in the Winter time and always indulge in a mug (or two) after work.  A short day doesn't seem all that bad when you know a great cup of speciality tea is waiting for you at night.

4.  Pour a Glass of Wine

...But if I am going to indulge in an alcoholic beverage, then I'll opt for a beautiful glass of rich red wine.  Watching the snow fall outside while sipping a belly-warming glass of red is nothing short of heaven - and is something that is definitely Winter-specific.

5. Make Plans, and Keep Plans

The Winter months can be lonely - cold weather, snow, bad traffic and dark nights can make it difficult to spend time with friends and family.  During the Winter I try to make a conscious effort to fill my day planner with as many activities as I can - and commit to actually keeping them.  It may take all of the willpower I have to meet up with a friend after work, when it's already dark out and all I want to do is nap - but when I do, I never regret it.  Winter can make you feel isolated, but all it takes is a good laugh or conversation with a friend to connect you with the world again.

Now you know the five ways that I keep the Winter blues away.  Do you struggle with Winter as well?  What are some of your tips for keeping happy in the Winter time?

xo Joëlle