how to stay happy in the winter

The Boise National Forest in Boise, Idaho in DECEMBER!

I know there are probably tons of ideas other humans have come up with about how to be happy in the winter, but rest assured, I am here to give you universal + holistic ways to stay happy in the winter; so you have all the options to choose from. Even if some of these ways don’t work, feel free to try others ways until you find what feels good to you.

This topic is very customizable and dependent upon each person individually - their personality, what they love doing in their free time, their zodiac sign, geographical location, etc so I’ve crafted a multitude of options to utilize to stay healthy & happy during the those colder, cozier months!

Make your home as inviting and cozy as possible

We’re talking soft blankets, pillows, curtains, natural & non-toxic candles, comfy furniture, home-cooked food, soft rugs, cloth couches, etc. Whatever makes you feel supported and comfy - this will help you stay happy in these colder months because you’ll enjoy being home more. Making your home soft and comfy also creates a feeling of a safety which is great if you’re looking to make your home your little sanctuary.

*Feng Shui tip; always face the couch to where you can see the front door, never face a desk towards a wall but instead make sure you can see the front door from the desk and that the space in front of you is as open as it can be. Floor to ceiling curtains will make your space look bigger and mirrors will open up the space if you don’t have as much natural light as you’d like.

Check out your personalized Feng Shui Energy Number report with Marie Diamond for some incredible info on how to arrange your space by your birthday.

Make your work as cozy as possible

Ideas; essential oils, mini essential oil diffusers, mini USB essential oil diffusers, non-toxic candles, faux fur rug under your feet, mouse pad, blue light glasses, natural face spray with essential oils, faux fur blanket, compression socks, soft socks, nice pens, nice notebooks & planners.

Workout indoors

You can find amazing workouts on YouTube! Especially if you cycle sync. You can do ALL of the suggested workouts from Cycle Syncing on Youtube. My favorite fitness teachers on YouTube are Yoga with Kassandra, Five Parks Yoga, Move with Nicole, Emi Wong, The Journey Junkie, Leigha Butler. You can truly stay home and be cozy while still staying in shape for the colder months.

Get warm as often as possible

Heating pads, warm baths, compression socks, soft faux fur blankets, fuzzy socks, warm sweaters, whatever you can to stay warm because being cold is miserable! Even better if you turn your bathroom into a full on cozy spa bathroom.

Get outside as often as possible

As you can see from the picture I took, it surprisingly was NOT snowing in the mountains in December when I went hiking. It was actually in the 50’s and still really enjoyable. I know this sounds counterintuitive to the “getting warm” and the “indoor exercise” tips but trust me - our unusually low Serotonin levels during the winter play a huge part in why we are not as happy.

Get out and go hiking when it’s not snowing or raining, try snow-shoeing because it’s actually really fun and you can get up into some winter wonderland-looking places that you wouldn’t have been able to before. I’ve heard people rave about cross-country skiing. Snow is beautiful and it makes everything quiet and cozy. Getting out into the winter sun will increase your serotonin levels and make you happier.

Boise foothills hike at sunset (you know your girl was bundled up though)

Invest in really warm, high-quality clothes

This is HUGE! I was miserable every winter until I invested in some high-quality winter clothes. And you actually save money in the long run because you don’t have to buy cheaper stuff over and over again.

Don’t stop traveling

Even though it’s cold, don’t stop traveling! I’m sure we will all travel less in the winter but it does NOT have to mean we don’t travel at all. Take those weekenders, drive up into the forest to see the snow, go to a nearby city or town for something different.

Stay on top of your morning routines

Especially your mindfulness practices you do in the mornings. These are crucial because the way you start your day is crucial to how your thoughts and emotions will play out. Of course thought work and thought awareness will go a long way, but the way you start your day has such a huge affect on your mood.

Keep your morning routine simple because that will increase the chances of you sticking with it! I like to just commit to yoga every morning be it 10 minutes, 20 minutes, or more. I leave my mat feeling relaxed, centered, present, stretched out, and ready to take on the day.

Hydrate and Moisturize

It makes you feel good to look good so keep shaving, moisturize, and drink plenty of water. These are some of the easiest things to neglect and forget in the winter.

Go out!

Don’t shy away from going out with the girls - or the guys - and dancing, tasting some new delicious cocktails, or grabbing a bite at the nearest raved-about restaurant. Just make sure to dress warm when you do so you’re not miserable.

Pay close attention to your mindset

A lot of us tend to feel less happy in the winter so a great new practice to adopt is to stay mindful of your thoughts and feelings. Our emotions are clues to the quality of our thoughts; regardless of what external events are happening in our lives. It’s how we think of those events that can determine how we feel.

Daily journaling is a great way to start with thought and emotional awareness. Once you notice your thoughts being less than idea, let yourself emotionally process and feel whatever you’re feeling but then once you’re done do something self-soothing and relaxing to bring yourself back to balance.

hot springs adventure in the forest near a full moon

Stay on track with the moon cycles

I still try to get outside when the moon is full whether it’s to a lookout point, a night hike, or a hot springs adventure with the girls. Staying on top of the moon’s cycles and adjusting your life to it’s phases can help keep you on track with your goals even throughout the winter.

Adventure to some hot springs

This is my favorite thing about winter besides the snow! Taking mini trips to hot springs up in the forest with the girls.

Let your energy naturally turn inward

Our energy and consciousness naturally turns inwards during the winter, so let it! I know we miss the sun and the lakes and the summer fun. But let this time be a cozy, comfy, indoor period of reflection and self-care.

Reflect on your life and your goals

Winter is the perfect time for introspection, reflection, and analyzing what you want in life and for the upcoming new year. Journaling is always an excellent way to express thoughts and feelings. Talking with friends, family, or significant others about how the year has gone and what new exciting things you plan to cultivate in the new year can be really motivating and uplifting.

Have friends over

Having cozy gatherings with those you love is seriously so fun in the winter! Plus, everyone can bring a cozy blanket, something to drink (alcoholic or nonalcoholic), and something delectable to share.

Make home-cooked food

It’s really rewarding to be cozy inside while making some heart-warming soups, pastas, lasagnas, casseroles, and roasted veggie meals. One of my favorite vegan chefs is From My Bowl - she has loads of cozy recipes that range in complexity and they never lack on flavor!

Play lofi music off YouTube in the background

Okay, but bear with me, lofi is a whole vibe. IT’S COZY AF! Perfect thing to have playing in the background while the snowflakes are falling and you’re lost in your favorite book on a cloth couch covered in faux fur blankets with your fur babies sporting compression socks!

That was detailed…but you know what I mean! This is great music to do homework to, to stretch to, and to do remote work to.

An evening hike in the foothills of Boise