4 Simple Ways to Boost Cheerfulness This Spring

The sun is out as I write this. It’s still cold, but at last, I don’t need to wear five layers! Ah… springtime. The hunger for life, the desire for creativity, the potential for change. You’ve got to love springtime!

But it’s often a transition time. That colourful palette slowly bursts forth, lifting the shades of winter greyness. As colourful and cheerful as it can be, we still need to deal with the grey. Read on for some tips on how to do that.

Spring Smiles: Four Ways to Stay Cheerful This Spring

There’s a proverb that says, “A joyful heart makes a face cheerful, but a sad heart produces a broken spirit” (Proverbs 15:13). Remember that phrase, ‘fake it till you make it’? Well, there’s only so much faking one can do. As that proverb suggests, the expression on your face is driven by the feeling in your heart.

A lot of my posts at the moment are about keeping on going through tough times. It’s where I am in my personal situation right now, and I have to keep reminding and encouraging myself to stick with it, to work on my heart––which for me is trusting in God––which will make my face truly cheerful.

Now, you may be in a great place and loving life. That’s fantastic—I hope it continues! But regardless of where you are, here are four actionable tips to help cultivate cheerfulness this spring.

Tip 1: Seek Small Joys in Nature

There’s a lot of data suggesting that being in nature is one of the best ways to cure a negative disposition. Attention Restoration Theory, for instance, says being outdoors helps restore mental fatigue and lack of focus. I’m going to take that further and say it can also create more opportunities for cheerfulness.

Action: Step outside and notice spring’s early signs—crocuses peeking through soil, birdsong, or a warm breeze. Do this by yourself, grab a buddy, or join a local meetup. [For full disclosure, that link is to a nature walk my brother regularly runs in Watford!]

Tip 2: Share a Smile (Literally)

I love smiling at people, especially to see what reaction I get back. Probably not the best reason! But, I find it amusing when I smile at a random stranger and they look nervous or can’t get away fast enough—or just stare back blankly. Maybe it’s just me… but I still do it anyway!

There’s power in receiving a smile back that can really lift the spirits, especially when it’s unexpected. The other day, I smiled at a few people on my walk to Sainsbury’s, but got little response. Then, down an alleyway leading to the store, I smiled at someone walking past, assuming they wouldn’t react. But their face lit up! Almost like they knew me (I don’t think they did). Then I carried on my merry way with a spring in my step, and hope they did too.

Action: Smile at someone—a neighbour, a cashier, or even yourself in the mirror—to spark cheerfulness outwardly and inwardly.

Tip 3: Create Something Bright

Everyone is creative, and there can be creativity in almost anything. When I’ve been writing—whether it’s this post, a newsletter, or even more so, my next sci-fi novel—or designing, or coming up with an image for a post, I feel so much better. The act of creating can help restore motivation and lift my mood.

Action: Make something cheerful—a doodle, a playlist, a photo, a colourful meal—to channel March’s vibrancy. Then share it in the comments! We’d all love to see it.

Tip 4: Lean Into Gratitude

‘An attitude of gratitude can take you to a higher altitude.’ I don’t know who said that, but I think it’s true—being thankful can shape your perspective on life and lift you higher.

I’ve gotten out of the habit of writing a daily gratitude journal, but it’s something I’ll endeavour to get back into this month. There are always things to be thankful for. It could be our health, the fact we have family and a home, or our own business or job, friends. Like I say, every one of us always has something to be thankful for.

Action: Jot down three things each day that bring joy, no matter how small.

Final Thoughts

When someone is cheerful and joyous, they naturally attract others. As the proverb says, it’s indicative of a joyful heart. Another way of looking at it, is being happy on the inside.

I challenge you to pick one of these tips and try it for a week. Then share how it went in the comments or with a friend.

Which one will you choose? Let me know—I’d love to cheer you on!"