There are many things we can do to stay happy during the cold gray months of Ohio. One thing I enjoy most is planning a spring project, so when the weather turns warmer, I am ready to dive right in. Not only does it give you a head start on a fun project but it makes you think of sunshine and warmer temperatures all winter long. Perhaps you plant a garden; if you do a great winter project is collecting small containers and choosing which plants you want to grow in your garden. You can even start purchasing your seeds as soon as they are available in your local gardening store. Around March or early April, plant your seeds in the collected containers. You’ll have a month or two to nurture your plants and when planting time rolls around, you’ll be ready! A window with lots of natural light is a great place to keep your young plants.

Believe it or not, I also start projects for Christmas. I know that may sound strange to some especially with the holiday just ending, but I always have a head start on the next one! If you like creating things for family and friends, you’ll have all winter and summer to get those projects done. If you are creating treasures made of wood, sewing, crocheting, knitting or crafting, you’ll be so glad you got a head start!

I received a coloring book for adults as a gift and it’s been a wonderful creating experience. Adult coloring is proven to relieve stress and create a sense of wellbeing…grab some colored pencils or markers and create a masterpiece! Frame them…and display!

Start planning your spring vacation. Simply looking at travel photos or guides will lift your spirits in no time flat. If you’re going to the beach, just looking at photos of sunshine, seeing the beauty of the ocean and dreaming of wiggling your toes in the sand will be enough to make you smile.

Volunteer somewhere or visit others that are homebound. Getting our minds off ourselves and onto others is not only great for the blues, but makes a difference in the lives of others.

Wintertime is also the perfect opportunity to plan meals for those warm weather days. You remember, the warm sunny days when you want to spend the day at the pool, outside in the yard sipping iced tea or playing with the kids at the park. Quick summertime meals will be at your fingertips when the weather heats up! Just a hint…gather lots of grilling recipes!

So there you have it, a few great tips to keep a smile on your face. Just in case you actually like the winter weather…build a snowman, make snow angels or have a snowball fight.

Keep smiling!

Blog borrowed from a fellow blogger!