10 Ways To Stay Happy This Winter

Christmas festivities are over and it’s easy to start feeling drained and depressed because it's cold, grey and dark outside.

Winter is my least favourite season and even though I try to stay positive I often start feeling deflated and not really like myself. I'm sure I'm not alone on this.

Below is a list of 10 things ( which really work for me!) to help you keep the Winter Blues at bay.

1. Get Some Rays and Fresh Air

Sunlight provides you with Vitamin D which improves your mood! As it gets dark so early it’s easy to only see the light from your office window.

Try taking a quick walk on your lunch break and ensure you get out at the weekend.







I think not being able to get outside is probably one of the main reasons why I don't like winter.
After a nice long walk in the park, forrest or country side I always feel so refreshed and grounded.
I love the smell, sound and the colours of different plants and animals that you can meet on your way. If I could choose to be any mystical creature I would definitely be some kind of a forrest elf!

2. Take Vitamin D and B Supplements

Even if you make an effort to get outside every day, chances are it’s going to be gray and cloudy, especially if like me you live in the North. Perhaps I should move down south?!
I am no health specialist but taking Vitamin D has seriously helped to keep my spirits high even when it’s miserable outside and Vitamin B can help with fatigue.

3. Create a Sleep Schedule

Try going to bed an hour earlier than usual and in return get up an hour earlier. That will give you an extra hour of daylight a day and more time to get stuff done.

4. Eat Healthy

When it’s cold, dark and wet (most days in the English Winter) it’s easy to go off track and succumb to fatty, sugary foods such as pizza, burgers and chocolate.
They might make you feel better for half an hour, but ultimately they will zap your energy and affect your mood causing lack of concentration, mood swings and general feeling of lethargy.That certainly is the case for me.
Instead, I try to eat lots whole grains, nuts, seeds and of course fruits and vegetables.

I usually have a morning smoothie (recipe here) which is a really easy and quick way to get more veggies and fruits in your diet.

5. Exercise Makes You Happy

The endorphins released during and after exercise make you feel elevated and content.
It can be harder to stay active in winter as lets be honest, no one really wants to go out into the cold. Try joining an exercise class. I have joined Zumba and Pilates which I absolutely love. There are plenty of other options available of course so go for whatever takes your fancy. It’s a fun and social way to stay active.

6. Don’t Binge Drink

Alcohol is a depressant so the more drinks you have, the more unhappy (and hungover) you will feel.

7. Read Read Read

Find a good book to read. Getting immersed into a story makes forget all about my troubles, and hopefully it could do the same for you, just try to pick something that isn’t tear worthy.
My recent favourites are Gone Girl, Shantaram, The Magicians Guild Trilogy, Divergent Trilogy and Brave New World.

8. Be Social

Spend time with friends and family. As tempting as it is, to sit on the sofa and watch your favourite TV show surrounding yourself with people that you like most will uplift your mood. I try to see my friends as often as possible. Even if it's just a catch over a cup of coffee or tea.
Below is a picture of me and my friend Kate at the Arcades in Leeds city centre doing some late night window shopping.

9. Find A New Hobby

Having something new to concentrate on will stimulate your mind and keep you entertained in the cold dark evenings.
Starting a blog has kept me feeling focused, motivated and positive.

10. Get a Cat

There is nothing quite like a warm, fluffy, purring ball of joy to lift your mood in the winter months and unlike a dog, you won’t need to take it for walks in the rain. Winner. We now have two which means double happiness.







What keeps you feeling happy and motivated in the winter months? I would love to hear your happiness tips!

Until next time,

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