We are officially digging ourselves out of the trenches of winter. And although that first snow was beautiful, that was in November! Winter is never ending in my New York town, and January-March is by far the most snowy, cold and dreary months of the year. When the sun isn’t present for days on end, I often find myself feeling more tired, drained, and moody than ever. During these tough times, it helps to remember ways of finding joy (or creating it) in the simple stuff when my world is looking grim.

1. Focus on my family.

Although this is a part of my daily routine, I seem to really be able to focus on my family during the long winter months. Shorter amounts of natural light and bitter cold force us inside and it’s the perfect setting for family time! Cocoa, movies, games playtime–the simple stuff–occupy us, and the extra baby snuggles make being stuck indoors so much more pleasant.

2. Get caught up on housework and projects.

Definitely not my favorite thing to do, but with all that extra time we have, it makes sense to check off some of that “Honey Do” list. Nothing makes me feel more accomplished than a fresh coat of paint, or a cleaned and organized basement. Having a fresh space always lifts my spirits, and helps me with finding joy the multitude of blessing that I really have.

3. Head to the gym.

A great workout always makes me feel better. When my body is run-down and sluggish, it often reflects in my attitude. I find that after a tough, but encouraging class, my pessimistic attitude has reversed, and I’m ready to face the rest of my day. It is also a great stress reliever, which is nice, especially when your child is potty training.

4. Hit the town.

Even though it is nice to get those house projects done, and have all that extra family time, sometimes you have to get out of the house before you go stir crazy. Hiring a babysitter, and going to dinner or a movie with your partner can refresh even the weariest person. If you’re looking for a family outing, a simple google search will provide you with a plethora of ideas to do with your little ones. From sporting events, play gyms, or Storytime, to a simple trip to the mall for shopping and snacks–it’s the simple stuff; getting out of the house is vital for finding joy when those winter blues are at their worst.

5. The food.

There is a reason why it’s called comfort food! Nothing nourishes better than a bowl of stew during the winter months. Sipping a steaming bowl of soup, or preparing a roast helps with finding joy when you live somewhere its cold and snowy half the year. Having family or friends for dinner, makes said meals even more enjoyable. Entertaining is one of my favorite things to do. From preparing a meal to sharing it, there is something heartwarming about having dinner with those you care about. So, next time that snowstorm hits (literally) and your feeling like this dreary time of year will never end, try to seek out the simple stuff, finding joy in the winter season.