Weather affects our moods more than we realize. Have you noticed how you feel down in the dumps more often when the skies are grey and bleak? Even children lose their perpetual exuberance when the rains come beating down every evening, spoiling their playtime plans.
The weather almost becomes a living entity on such days, seemingly taking delight in agitating us.
When the weather takes on an uncooperative stance, it becomes our home’s responsibility to bring us comfort and joy. Thoughtful additions and modifications to the house can foster a cheerful atmosphere regardless of what transpires outside the door.
Hype or Not, Hygge Definitely Works
The Danish concept of hygge gained global popularity around 2017. It has enticing components predominantly focused on warmth and comfort. Considering the severity of winters in Denmark, it makes perfect sense for perfect candles and soft blankets to be reassuring.
Over the years, similar concepts have emerged from other parts of Europe. There’s Lagom in Sweden, and Wabi-Sabi in Japan. It makes one cynical about the practical implications of these ideas.
However, the skepticism may be misplaced in this scenario. For most of us, working on cheerfulness by making small lifestyle upgrades can certainly get results. A Reddit user reports that she used to get seasonal depression every year. She expresses gratitude for having found happiness through Hygge, particularly on a chilly morning [r/hygge].
You can adopt these principles through minor, non-complicated changes like:
- Sharing meals with family members
- Making and enjoying cozy drinks like hot chocolate
- Adding a throw to your sofa or chair
- Dimming the lights so they feel just right
Allow Your Windows to Keep Poor Weather Away
Windows are your portal to the outside world. The view gets turbulent during a gale, turning white and solitary in a snowstorm. Staring out into bleakness can further dampen the spirits of someone already struggling with a low mood.
Why not replace your windows into your partners for repelling the ills of sullen weather?
For example, try uplifting window treatments with colorful curtains or blinds made of natural materials like bamboo. They can become an antidote to grey winter skies. Some people put up Christmas Advent decorations early; who needs to worry about critics of early celebrations?
You can also install an exterior window trim to improve your home’s curb appeal and visual interest. It can also protect your house from moisture and infestation—vexing issues that trouble many on rainy or snowy days. Who needs additional stress when the weather is already beating you down?
However, consider durable materials that match the optics of your home. For example, wood can be an elegant and timeless choice. Belco Forest Products notes that using a preservative-treated wood trim solution can fortify the wood from within. It makes the trim more durable when the weather continues its harsh behaviour for long periods.
Sorry, Hoarders, But Clutter Contradicts Cheer
Marie Kondo knew what she was talking about when she recommended letting go of things that don’t give you joy. Science generally agrees that collecting too many things doesn’t lend itself to mental peace.
It follows that clutter can aggravate the despondency you may experience in the house on a sullen-weather day. It can make you feel stuffy and overly attached to sentimental objects that don’t serve you.
The benefits of decluttering can be multifaceted. A Psychology Today feature has an intuitive observation: less physical upkeep implies more time to invest in relationships.
That said, decluttering is an ongoing process. You can approach it slowly, room by room, considering creating piles of “keep,” “throw,” and “donate.” Family members can approach it together, letting the prospect of a clutter-free house motivate them.
Some people suggest that decluttering should aim to keep surfaces clear to reduce visual overload.
Tabletops with random paraphernalia and kitchen counters with unopened mail can quickly become very stressful on a rough day.
Yes, that’s where the whole deal with baskets originates—everything seems a little better when placed in a container instead of strewn around without thought.
Add (Literal) Life to Your Home
When the weather is adverse, having company can be a tremendous mood-booster.
Many people experience the blues in winter. According to the American Medical Association, the occurrence of seasonal affective disorder is much higher when there’s little sunlight. As a result, many people experience it in the fall or winter seasons.
On such days, having a furry pet by your side—your cat or dog, for example—can feel comforting. If you don’t want the additional responsibility of caring for a pet, have you considered an aquarium? It can become a conversational starter and focal point for a house, but it needs minimal work. (Feeding and cleaning are elementary responsibilities you could even outsource to school-age kids.)
Another idea is to invest in houseplants that can tolerate poor weather. The Greater Good Magazine notes that having plants in living spaces can reduce stress and improve your state of mind. Interestingly, it also notes that many people prefer plants with rounded leaves, like the pothos. Such plants can be both beautiful and relaxing.
To start off, you can explore options like a Snake Plant or a Philodendron. They thrive easily and don’t require much attention. You need not fret about daily care when traveling unless you will be away for a really long vacation.
Food for Thought
The average human spends several years of their life at home. The amount has risen in recent years, mainly because of the COVID-19 pandemic. A 2024 Sociological Science study found that American adults now spend over 1.5 hours more at home every day.
The problem is that this increase correlates with lower overall levels of happiness. It implies that we don’t pay adequate attention to the home environment and how it affects our mood.
Try some of the changes above before the weather gets nasty. A cheerful home can lift the spirits of everyone around, come hail or snow.
