10 ways to spark joy this winter

By Kaylea

Jan 10, 2025 | Blog, Well-Being | 0 comments

As we approach “Blue Monday” and the “unhappiest time of the year” 😳, it feels like the right time to get ahead of the spiral of doom, and instead look for the glimmers that will get us through to spring! Many of the items on this list are easy, free, fun, and most importantly – joyful. Start here:

10. Open up your notes app (or a notebook) and start a list of books, shows, songs, quotes – anything that sparks a smile on your face. And on a day where you need an extra boost, you’ll have an arsenal of joy jolts ready to change your mood. I also find this comes in handy when a friend is down and out – you can text a podcast recommendation, or your favorite feel-good series to cheer them up!

9. Flip through old cookbooks, magazines, or baking site and make a plan to try new dishes. Bonus points for not only screenshotting, but also making a list of the ingredients you need. That way you’re more likely to make it, and the idea doesn’t get lost in your camera roll.

8. Phone a friend. During these deep freeze months of winter, many people report feeling lonely and lacking connection, even with their close friends (πŸ™‹πŸ½β€β™€οΈ). Be the one who reaches out just because, and not by text. It means SO much to me when my friends who usually text take the time to call. I get instantly grateful to hear the inflections in their voice, and you can cover so much more even on a short call, than you would if you had to type it all out.

7. Buy, or make, all of your birthday cards for the year! Yes, I know, the time upfront can be daunting; but can you imagine how good it will feel to have all of your cards written and ready to be mailed in advance? Then all that’s left to do is to schedule a reminder in your calendar to notify you on the day you need to mail it. Voila! No missed celebrations, no stress to run and find the perfect card. You already took care of it! Instant dopamine hit.

6. Join a new group. Our church is always spotlighting all different kinds of groups in our weekly bulletin, and this is the month I finally say yes to trying one out. They have walking groups, book clubs, mom’s night outs, crafting, the works! And if you can’t find something that speaks to you, why not start your own?

5. Make a plan to give back. So many extraordinary missions can use our help right now and there are endless ways to make a mark. You can go the monetary donation route, donate your time or talents to a local organization, or even get a group of family and friends to choose a charity together and make an impact on a larger scale. All are a win-win and a way for you to fill your cup whilst filling others’.

4. Have a board game night. We don’t get this cozy time year-round, and you know how busy the spring and summertime can be with sports and events and life picking back up after we’ve been indoors all winter. Enjoy the hibernation and plan a special night dedicated to your favorite games, snacks, and fun. I’m always up for a game of Yahtzee, Jon votes for Uno, and Grey lives for Charades. Which one is your favorite?!

3. Move toward your big goals with small, actionable steps. Let’s say you’ve had this daunting goal for years to write a book, and you’ve decided 2025 is the year you’re going to make it happen. What if you took a 1% step every day for the next two weeks? You’re going to put the plan in motion by writing for even 20 minutes each day, making the impossible feel absolutely doable. Can you imagine the joy/ pride/ excitement you’ll feel when you make good on those baby steps? I believe in you!

2. Buy yourself a new houseplant. Yes, flowers are lovely and brighten any room, but in a few days, you’re feeling that sadness of tossing them in the trash. Spend the money on a houseplant instead, and reap 10x the rewards. You know all about how they improve air quality and can ease dry skin and respiratory ailments. But did you also know they are proven to reduce stress, and the act of watering and caring for them gives you a natural dopamine hit?!

1. Play outside. I think we forget this one as adults. And with endless work obligations and never-ending to-do-lists, it’s no surprise why we lose that magic we had as kids. Make it your mission this month to get outside, no matter the cold, and find some of that spark you once had. We need the vitamin d more than ever this time of year, and the fresh air does wonders for the soul. Maybe you do an outdoor experiment with your kids, or leave a tiny snowman on your neighbor’s porch? Make a homemade birdseed treat or take a walk at a park you only go to in the summertime. Bundle up, treat yourself to a to-go hot cocoa, and allow yourself to bask in the joy of it!

I can’t wait to hear how you weave more joy into this month. Blue Monday doesn’t have anything on us πŸ˜ƒ. If you have any fun ideas to share, I’d love to hear about them in the comments below! Be well + joyful, kind friend!

Written by Kaylea

Kaylea Nixon is a Certified Wellness Counselor and Certified Health and Nutrition Practitioner who loves sharing practical, purposeful ways to cultivate a life of well-being and joy! When she's not developing fresh anti-inflammatory recipes, or researching new wellness trends; she seeks adventures, experiences and tasty travels with her incredible husband, son, and rescue pup, Gemma.

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