Winter Doldrums? These 18 Things Give Me an Instant Mood Lift

I totally understand feeling a little down during the long months of winter. With short days, dark nights, inclement weather, and lots of indoor time, winter can seem to last forever. And while, in some cases, it's a form of seasonal depression known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD), sometimes it's just the winter blues.

For SAD, talk to your healthcare provider because there are solutions. But if you're just feeling a little blah because you're not able to do all the things you love when the weather is warmer, we have all sorts of ways to boost your spirits right now. 

One thing Regis had right on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire was the phone-a-friend option. And while the stakes may not be financial in this case, your well-being is always way more important than money.

Phoning (or Facetiming, Snapchatting, or however the kids are getting in contact these days) a friend or loved one is a surefire way to boost your mood. Of course, the caveat is that you should only get in contact with someone who you feel safe with and supported by. So maybe skip the frenemy who's full of backhanded compliments and instead get in touch with someone who makes you laugh and feel loved. You know who I'm talking about. 

Related: I Have Seasonal Affective Disorder: Here Are My Tips to Beat the Winter Blahs

There's just something about a cuddle with something small and wiggly that boosts your mood. Whether it's a kiddo, a puppy, a chicken, a horse, or a kitty that's currently in a sweet mood (you have to catch them at the right time because — you know — cats), even a few minutes of snuggling will raise your spirits. 

In fact, cuddling a pet can boost dopamine and serotonin. The result? Instant mood lift.  

It turns out that touching grass is more than just something people on Reddit tell others to do when they get too riled up. It also has scientifically proven benefits, from lowered blood pressure to mitigated stress. Plus, you have to go outside to touch grass, which can help you get grounded and give you a general lift. 

Along with getting outside, walking can boost brain chemicals that improve mood. It's also a great mindfulness exercise, which can also improve mood. Plus, it's just a nice break from whatever else you have going on. Try a brisk, 10-minute walk for instant mood elevation. 

We're not joking when we tell you that laughing is a quick mood-lifter. It can soothe tension, lower blood pressure, and help you feel better about life. So stream a comedy or get in touch with your favorite jokester. You'll be glad you did.

Related: All the Ways I Cope When the World Seems Horrid

Feeling grumpy? Crank up the music and dance like nobody's watching. It's one of my absolute favorite mood boosters. The music. The movement. The stress release. Whether you're dancing with a partner or solo, even one song can make a huge difference. 

Take a ten-minute break and do something you love. Whether it's crafting, reading, baking, listening to music, or something else, you'll feel instantly better spending time doing one of your favorite things. 

The Heart Math Institute's Heart Coherence technique is a super quick way to lift your mood. In just a few minutes, you'll feel more connected and happier. This video walks you through it in less than five minutes. It's one of my favorite techniques to elevate my mood. 

Taking a minute or two to list a few things you're grateful for can remind you of all the things that make you happy. So if you're feeling a little snarly, you can either make a gratitude list in your head or actually commit one to paper. 

If you're super busy right now but also feeling cranky, then making plans for something fun can boost your spirits. It doesn't need to be anything complex. Even scheduling coffee with a friend or an outing to the park with your kids will give you something to look forward to, which can make you feel happier. 

Feeling stressed? Try a hug. Find someone you love and cuddle up. The act of hugging a loved one reduces stress and elevates feelings of well-being. 

Showing kindness can boost short- and long-term mental health. When you do something nice for someone else, it increases serotonin and dopamine while decreasing levels of the stress hormone cortisol.  It just goes to show that good deeds benefit you, along with others. 

Sometimes just touching base with somebody and having a quick laugh is enough to boost your mood. Send a goofy snap to someone, text a cute picture, or try a funny quote. It'll brighten their day, and it could brighten yours, too, especially if they respond in kind. 

Okay — so I don't have any scientific facts to back this one up, so all I can say is it works for me. Whether I'm looking at adorable kitten photos or enjoying a cute video of golden retrievers playing in leaf piles or otters frolicking in the sea, for me, it's an instant mood lift. 

There's something about nostalgia that can make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. So whether you scroll back through social media photos, dig through your family photo drawer, or remember a time when you were really having a good time, revisiting these happy memories can elevate your mood. 

Has somebody done something nice for you at any point in your life? Sure, we're all about sending thank you notes right after you receive a gift, but it can also make you (and someone else) feel great if you go back and thank them for something that's super special about them. Send a favorite teacher a thank you on social media, telling them how they affected your life, or contact someone you've always looked up to and thank them for serving as your inspiration. Chances are, you'll be re-inspired, and your mood will be lifted. 

Whistling a happy tune is such a mood lifter that there's even a song about it in the musical, The King and I. Something light and jaunty can lift your mood. And if you're like me and can't really whistle, humming works just as well. 

A warm bath, a soothing cup of tea, comfy jammies, a comforting face mask — these small acts of self-care can make you feel instantly happier. The act of nurturing yourself reminds you that you are in charge of your own happiness and that you can always provide for yourself. 

Everyone gets a little down from time to time. And sometimes, it's okay to feel sad for a while. But if you need to lift your mood because crankiness isn't serving you, these simple acts are a great way to provide self-care and make you feel better in an instant.