It is nearly impossible to escape the hands of winter and its ability to turn our moods cold along with the air. Shorter days, less sunlight, and cold nights are all factors that make it hard to stay happy. The lack of sunshine sets the stage for a gloomy stay in the inn of your home. Here's a few things you can do to avoid this seasonal suffering.

1. Find indoor activities you enjoy.

There are so many options when it comes to mood booster activities; and most can be found right in the comfort of your own home! Personally, I enjoy coloring. It helps ease the mind and pass the time without you even realizing. You could also choose to sit down with a good book with a hot cup of tea in hand. Draw, paint, sew, or build something. Whatever activity you can participate in and enter into the full experience.

2. Get a happy light.

The happy light is a bright light you can keep in your room, office, kitchen, or any room you please. This device mimics sunlight and is supposed to help increase happiness during the winter blues.

3. Exercise.

Got to the gym. Bundle up and go for a run around the block. Buy a weight set and set a goal to reach by the end of each month. Exercise is great for the mind and can boost our mood no matter how down we are. The winter often makes us refrain from exercising due to the cold but exercise is more important than you think. We can't take an entire season off!

4. Bake.

No one can deny the occasional sweet treat to end the day right. Figure out what your favorite dessert is and find a few cool, new recipes to try.

5. Pick up a new hobby/activity.

We all have things we have always wanted to pursue but felt we never had the time or patience the learn. Often times, we get stuck indoors during the winter with too much down time. To fill that space, pick something you have always wanted to learn how to do and teach yourself! Whether it be learning to play an instrument, creating a new workout routine, or finding DIY projects for your room, teaching yourself a new skill will make you feel accomplished and proud of yourself once you've mastered it.

6. Schedule movie marathons with friends/family.

Select a few movies of a similar genre and commit to watching all of them in a night, accompanied by popcorn (or whatever snack of your choosing may be) and great friends. Get comfortable with blankets and pillows and let yourself get lost in the screen.

7. Meditate

Some people enjoy meditation, some people hate it. However, whether it's a useful tool for you or a needle in your back, it has many benefits. Meditation takes your state of mind and carries it into a place where thoughts are quiet and the only noise you hear is the soothing words and music coming from your meditation tape. If tapes are distracting for you, you can meditate without it. Guide yourself through at least ten minutes of meditation and I guarantee it will be helpful in easing your mind if only a small fraction.