Terrific Ways to Bring Sunny Smiles to Blah Days

Sometimes it's hard to think of anything for either you or your kids to smile about in the middle of February, when you haven't seen the sun in days and you're getting a bit of cabin fever from spending all of your time indoors.

Fortunately for you, your family, and the rest of the world, there are lots of smart (and scientifically proven) ways to bring sunny smiles even to the grayest February days!

- Get some light - any time that the sun shines, get the most out of it. Even if it means simply taking a 15 minute walk on your lunch hour. Or head to the park as soon as there's a sunny break. If there simply isn't any sun to speak of, switch on some bright, full-spectrum light-bulbs to give your attitude a quick boost. It's not quite as good as real sunshine but it's the next best thing!

- Use the right colors - shades of blue and green in the wintertime are terrific mood enhancers. Soothing shades such as aqua are perfect for walls and accessories. Even better wear the colors you need yourself and dress your kids to match with these happy yet calming hues.

- Talk to the animals - there is something magical and stress relieving about being around animals. Whether it means walking a neighbor's dog, visiting a local petting zoo, adopting a cat, watching the fish at the pet store, or even heading out to the nearest large zoo, just being around animals is good for your blood pressure and immediately decreases your stress.

- Get into aromatherapy - many different fragrances can do wonderful things for lifting your mood. Peppermint, vanilla, and lavender top this list. You can use fragrant oil to scent the room, bath products while you relax in the tub or even teas that allow you to enjoy the flavors as you bask in the aromas.

- Exercise - you may not want to but moving your body releases endorphins that make you feel happier. You can try whatever makes you feel good; dancing with the mop as you clean, Pilates for some targeted stretches, Yoga for the calming clarity or head out to the gym for some guidance from a pro. Even doing some jumping jacks with the kids will get the blood - and the giggles - flowing.

- Get a massage - massages instantly release the stress and tension held within your muscles and replaces it with fresh oxygen. Either head out for a special day at the spa or share the experience with a loved one. It's soothing and energizing at the same time.

- Breathe - when we're stressed, we don't breathe right. You've probably heard this before, but it's still as true now as the first time you heard it. Five slow, deep breaths in and out can ease tension substantially. Pay attention to your breathing throughout the day. If you find yourself huffing or holding your breath at any time, it's a new chance for five more deep breaths.

- Smile - even just putting on a good smile can make your mood much better. Smile to people as you pass them in the hall, or have a smiling contest with your child. Whatever the excuse, curl up those corners of your mouth and tell yourself it's time to be happy!

- Eat well - junk food, though tasty, doesn't have the nutrients that you need to remain healthy, which means that your body needs to work harder than it should to get its job done. By eating well, you'll lower the stress on your body, making it easier to be happy.

- Get some sleep - it's hard to be happy if you're sleep deprived. In fact, when you're exhausted, chemicals in the brain will frequently lead to the blues. Start your "getting ready for bed" process a little earlier every night. Don't eat within three hours of going to bed and do only calming activities that help you to wind down. The odds are that if you're not waking up on your own when it's time for you to get up, then you haven't had enough sleep.

Adopt these great techniques for being happy not only mid-winter, but year-round to make sure that you're creating the happiest family lifestyle!