5 Ways to Improve Your Mood

In the depths of winter, it’s easy to slip into a dreary mood.

The days are short, sunshine is fleeting and wearing shorts seems like a distant memory. If coffee is your main reason for getting out of bed in the morning, it might be time to shake up your routine and find some joy in the season. Try these tips for turning your mood around!

1. Get out and play

Nothing’s better for curing the winter blues than getting outside when the sun makes an appearance. Go for a walk or bike ride, or simply get out onto a patio and soak up the rays for an energy boost. Even when the sun isn’t out, playing in the snow or taking a walk to explore the beauty of gray days can improve how you feel.

2. Smells like a good mood

Ever noticed how sometimes a smell can instantly perk you up? Scent is closely connected to our emotions, so it’s no surprise that smells can make us feel good. Bright citrusy scents seem to be the best at sending moods soaring: try our zippy lemongrass You’ve Been Mangoed Bath Oil, or lather up with fresh grapefruit juice in Happy Hippy to start your day off with a smile.

3. Surround yourself in color

Winter weather might have us all dressing in neutral shades, but adding a splash of color to your life might just be the pick-me-up you need. Red, pink, yellow and orange are all warm and inviting colors that evoke feelings of happiness, optimism and energy. Add a colorful accessory to your outfits, or a pop of brightness to your bath with Cheer Up Buttercup and start—or finish—every day with a little more color.

4. Make it happen

Do you crack a smile whenever you look at photos of llamas? (No joke: this is a foolproof technique we use at the Lush offices!) Can’t help but sing along to the soundtrack of your favorite musical? Does calling your Mom always make you feel warm and fuzzy? Remember what never fails to bring a smile to your face, then use it when you need it most.

5. Give your time to others

Sometimes giving a little of ourselves to others can help us feel good. Lend a helping hand at a local charity and you’ll find yourself filling up those dreary hours in no time. No time to volunteer? Picking up a pot of Charity Pot Hand And Body Lotion can help you spread some good. What’s your tried-and-true way to turn a frown upside down? Let us know in the comments below!